The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the military parade traditionally held to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day, describing it as a troubling sign of disconnect between the presidency and the people.
The Federal Government had on Monday announced the cancellation of the parade scheduled for October 1 in Abuja, although other activities commemorating the 65th anniversary will still go ahead.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Tuesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, criticised the move, insisting the parade carries deep symbolic value.
“This independence celebration is a remarkable milestone. It is an opportunity for Nigeria to project itself to the world and inspire the people. But what did the government do yet again? Cancel the parade,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC spokesman questioned the rationale behind the last-minute decision, suggesting it may have been linked to President Bola 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 said.
Abdullahi dismissed any economic justification for the move, accusing the government of inconsistency.
“They might claim the cancellation was in line with modesty due to the economic situation. But when they sent out invitations, didn’t they know about the economic reality then? Whatever they are hiding, they owe Nigerians transparency. This decision does not reflect who we are as a country. It is simply another case of presidential abstinence.”
The ADC chieftain also criticised President Tinubu for failing to attend other major national events, including the recent passing-out parade of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
“About 800 officers were commissioned into the Nigerian military last Saturday, yet the President was absent. If he could not attend personally, he could at least have sent the Chief of Army Staff,” he said, contrasting the absence with the President’s attendance at the commissioning of the renovated National Arts Theatre in Lagos.
Abdullahi warned that such repeated absences risk diminishing the country’s image and eroding public confidence in the government.
