The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the federal government’s decision to cancel the parade marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, describing it as evidence of a widening disconnect between the presidency and citizens.
The government had on Monday announced that the October 1 parade in Abuja would not hold, though other anniversary activities would proceed.
In reaction, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said the parade was a symbolic event that should not have been abandoned. “This independence celebration is a remarkable milestone. It is an opportunity for Nigeria to project itself to the world and inspire the people, to renew their confidence in the country and their government. But what did the government do yet again?” he queried.
Abdullahi suggested that the decision may have been linked to President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the capital. “I am sure the reason the presidency cancelled the parade is because the president is not in Abuja. The last time I checked, he was in Lagos, unless he returned without the public knowing,” he said.
He dismissed arguments that the move was driven by economic constraints, insisting the government was aware of the country’s financial realities when preparations began. “Whatever they are hiding, they owe it to Nigerians to be transparent. And we would soon know. This decision does not reflect who we are as a country. It is simply another case of presidential abstinence,” Abdullahi stated.
The ADC spokesman also questioned Tinubu’s absence at other recent national events, including the passing-out parade of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where 800 cadets were commissioned last Saturday. “If he could not attend personally, he could at least have sent the Chief of Army Staff. But instead, the president was in Lagos to commission the renovated National Arts Theatre,” he added.
