ADC condemns parade cancellation as a national misstep
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s decision to cancel Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade, calling it a “disappointing show of disconnect” between the government and the people.
In an exclusive interview on Tuesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s spokesman and former Minister of Youth and Sports, described the cancellation as a missed opportunity for national unity and public morale.
The Federal Government had earlier announced that the October 1 parade, scheduled to take place in Abuja, would not be held. Other activities marking the nation’s independence anniversary, however, will go ahead as planned.
Abdullahi: Independence Day is a moment of inspiration
Abdullahi, speaking to DAILY POST, expressed his disappointment over the parade cancellation. He emphasised that the Independence Day celebration is not only symbolic but also essential for rallying citizens around the country’s shared identity and history.
“This independence celebration is a remarkable milestone,” he said. “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. Canceling the parade sends the wrong message.”
He argued that the parade is one of the few ceremonial events that help Nigerians feel a sense of unity and pride, especially in challenging times.
Allegations of presidential absenteeism
Abdullahi further alleged that the real reason for the parade’s cancellation could be due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s absence from Abuja.
“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 stated.
He questioned the timing of the decision, asking why the economic justification given by the Presidency only emerged shortly before the event.
“They might claim the cancellation was in line with the government’s modest approach due to the economic situation,” he continued. “But when they were sending out invitations, didn’t they know about the economic reality then?”
ADC questions President’s absence from key events
The ADC spokesman also criticised President Tinubu’s absence at other significant national events, including the recent Passing-Out Parade of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, where nearly 800 new officers were commissioned into the armed forces.
“Just two days ago, we raised the concern that the President has not attended the passing-out parade of the NDA for two years,” Abdullahi said. “If he could not attend personally, he could at least have delegated the Chief of Army Staff or another senior official. But he was in Lagos to commission the renovated National Arts Theatre.”
He argued that consistent absence from such important state functions sends a negative signal to both citizens and the international community.
Call for transparency and national leadership
Abdullahi called on the Federal Government to offer a more transparent explanation for the parade’s cancellation.
“Whatever they are hiding, they owe it to Nigerians to be transparent. This decision does not reflect who we are as a country. It is simply another case of presidential abstinence,” he concluded.
He urged the government to be more deliberate in connecting with the people, particularly during moments that shape national identity and sentiment.
Conclusion
While the Federal Government maintains that the cancellation was due to economic concerns and a modest approach to national celebration, political observers like Abdullahi argue that it reflects a broader issue of leadership engagement and public trust.
As Nigeria marks its 65th year of independence, the debate over national identity, celebration, and responsible governance remains more relevant than ever.
