“It Diminishes Nigeria” – ADC Blasts Tinubu Govt Over Independence Day Parade Cancellation

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a scathing attack on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government over the abrupt cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade, branding the move as a national embarrassment and a dangerous disconnect between the presidency and the people.

The Federal Government had, on Monday, announced the cancellation of the iconic October 1 parade in Abuja, while insisting that other anniversary events would still proceed. The announcement sparked a wave of criticisms from opposition parties and civil society groups.

Speaking on Tuesday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, condemned the decision, warning that the government had deprived Nigerians of a symbolic and unifying national moment.

> “This independence celebration is a remarkable milestone. It is an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase itself to the world, inspire its citizens, and renew public confidence in the country and its government. Instead, what did the government do yet again? They stripped Nigerians of this pride,” Abdullahi said.

He alleged that the cancellation may have been linked to President Tinubu’s absence from Abuja, noting that the President was reportedly in Lagos as of the time the decision was made.

> “I am sure the parade was scrapped simply because the President was not in Abuja. If he had returned quietly, Nigerians deserve to know,” Abdullahi added.

The ADC questioned the government’s claim that the cancellation was due to economic hardship, stressing that such reasoning was both belated and inconsistent.

> “They might claim the cancellation was due to a modest approach given the economic situation. But at what point did they suddenly realize Nigeria is facing economic challenges? When they were sending out invitations, did they not know the state of the economy then?” Abdullahi queried.

He accused the presidency of hiding the real reasons behind the cancellation, warning that Nigerians deserve full transparency on decisions that affect their national pride.

The ADC spokesman further tied the parade cancellation to what he described as a disturbing pattern of President Tinubu’s absence from critical national events.

He cited last Saturday’s passing-out parade of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where about 800 cadets were commissioned into the military without the President in attendance.

> “For two consecutive years, the Commander-in-Chief has failed to show up at the NDA passing-out parade. This year, instead of being present at such a historic military event, the President was busy in Lagos commissioning the renovated National Arts Theatre. This is not how you inspire a nation,” Abdullahi stated.

According to the ADC, national celebrations such as Independence Day are not mere ceremonies but opportunities to reinforce unity, patriotism, and national identity.

> “These are symbolic occasions that remind us of who we are as a people. When they are trivialized or abandoned, they diminish Nigeria before its citizens and before the world,” Abdullahi declared.

The party insisted that the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day parade was more than a scheduling misstep—it was a blow to national pride and a dangerous signal that the government is out of touch with the yearnings of Nigerians.