Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately order the release of the international passport of activist and former presidential candidate, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, describing its continued seizure as an abuse of power that undermines democratic freedoms.
Hashim made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving Sowore during a meeting with PDP chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where he warned that punishing dissent without conviction poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic order.
‘Punished Without Conviction’
Speaking during the interaction, Hashim condemned what he described as the sustained persecution of Sowore for speaking truth to power, noting that the seizure of his passport has effectively punished him without any court conviction.
According to him, the restriction has also denied Sowore his basic rights, including the freedom of movement and the ability to maintain normal family life.
Democracy and the Right to Dissent
Hashim, who recalled his long-standing association with Sowore dating back to their pro-democracy struggles in 1989, said the meeting was not about nostalgia but a reminder of the sacrifices that secured Nigeria’s democratic space.
He described Sowore’s consistency and refusal to bow to intimidation as emblematic of principled resistance, particularly for young Nigerians seeking political change.
“Nigeria is worth fighting for, and meaningful change is possible, no matter how difficult,” Hashim said.
He warned that democracies begin to collapse when dissent is criminalised, stressing that the protection of opposing voices is a non-negotiable pillar of democratic governance.
Call for Presidential Intervention
Hashim therefore urged President Tinubu to act decisively by ordering the immediate release of Sowore’s passport in the interest of justice, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights.
Also Read: Igbo Community in Abuja Rejects Uzodimma’s Claim of Growing APC Support in South East
The meeting, attended by Hashim’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Kamaldeen Adebayo Sanni, and the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, also provided an opportunity for Sowore to reconnect with longtime comrades committed to democracy, civic courage, and accountable leadership.
