Independence parade cancellation exposes presidency’s disconnect – ADC’s Bolaji Abdullahi

Nigeria’s decision to cancel the 65th Independence Day parade has sparked backlash, with Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as proof of the presidency’s growing disconnect from ordinary Nigerians.

The Federal Government announced on Monday that the annual October 1 parade in Abuja would not hold this year, though other anniversary events will continue as planned.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Daily Post on Tuesday, Abdullahi said the parade is a symbolic national ritual that should never be abandoned.

“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.

He questioned whether the cancellation was 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,” Abdullahi claimed.

The ADC spokesman also dismissed government arguments that the decision was tied to the economic situation, pointing out that invitations had already been issued.

“They might claim the cancellation was due to economic challenges. But when they were sending out invitations, didn’t they know about the economic reality then? Whatever they are hiding, they owe it to Nigerians to be transparent,” he said.

Abdullahi further criticised Tinubu for failing to attend other key national occasions, including the passing-out parade of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where over 800 officers were commissioned into the armed forces last Saturday.

“For two years the President has failed to attend the NDA passing-out parade. If he could not attend personally, he could at least have delegated the Chief of Army Staff. Instead, the President was in Lagos commissioning the renovated National Arts Theatre,” Abdullahi added.

The comments have reignited public debate over the government’s priorities, with critics arguing that the absence of a national parade on Independence Day weakens Nigeria’s image both at home and abroad.