Hashim warns against political violence

File photo: Accord Party presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim

The presidential candidate of the Accord, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has warned political parties and their supporters against resorting to violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the country cannot afford to compound its security challenges with politically motivated attacks.

According to a statement shared with Saturday PUNCH, Hashim gave the warning on Friday during a solidarity visit to the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, following the recent attack on the activist and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

He said the country, already battling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats, should not be exposed to another wave of political violence as parties prepare for the next general elections.

“Nigeria cannot afford to add political violence to the general insecurity in the land,” Hashim said.

The Accord candidate welcomed a statement by a United Nations representative expressing concern over the incident, urging other international partners to speak out against attacks on political actors.

The visit came amid controversy over the circumstances surrounding the attack at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti on October 30.

While Sowore alleged that armed men attacked him and members of his entourage, the Ekiti State Police Command initially described the incident as an altercation involving the activist and some individuals at the restaurant.

The police said operatives rescued Sowore and took him to hospital for treatment, while the activist rejected the account, insisting that he and his team were violently attacked.

The police subsequently announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident, saying investigations were ongoing to establish their individual roles and identify others who might have been involved.

The Ekiti State Government also denied involvement in the incident and called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation.

Against this backdrop, Hashim urged political actors to exercise restraint and ensure that disagreements were resolved through democratic and lawful means.

He recalled his longstanding relationship with Sowore, dating back to their involvement in the pro-democracy movement against military rule.

Describing the AAC candidate as a comrade from the early days of the struggle, Hashim said, “Sowore is our own. We brought him into the movement in 1989/1990.”

Responding, Sowore thanked Hashim for the visit, describing him as a senior comrade who introduced him to political activism at the University of Lagos.

“I am most grateful for this solidarity visit by my senior comrade and colleague. He was one of those who brought me into the struggle in UNILAG. We fought against military rule together when some people ran away,” he said.

Sowore said the incident would not deter him from pursuing his political and pro-democracy activities.

“We are not intimidated, and we shall continue to fight until genuine democracy is established,” he added.