Nigerian government criticised for cancelling independence day parade scheduled for Abuja

NIGERIA'S opposition coalition the African democratic Congress (ADC) has lambasted the federal government for cancelling tomorrow's independence day parade saying the development is another sign of the Tinubu administration's disconnect with the masses.

Tomorrow, on October 1 2025, Nigeria will celebrate her 65th independence day anniversary, marking the end of British rule in the country. To mark the event, the federal government has declared the day a public holiday and there had been plans to hold a parade on Abuja but inexplicably, this event was cancelled yesterday.

Interior minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, issued a statement announcing that the federal government has cancelled the independence anniversary parade and called on all Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu's administration. Then, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) followed this up by saying that the cancellation does not reduce the significance of the milestone anniversary.

OSGF spokesman Segun Imohiosen, explained that all other programmes lined up for the anniversary would go as planned. Apologising for the cancellation, the government expressed regret over any inconvenience the decision might cause Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community and invited guests.

Mr Imohiosen said: "The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary and the government remains committed to celebrating Nigeria's 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm."

However, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC spokesman, criticised the cancellation, describing it as another sign of the disconnect between the presidency and the Nigerian people. He faulted the move, saying the parade is a symbolic moment that should not be abandoned.

Mallam Abdullahi added: “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?

“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.

“They might claim the cancellation was in line with the government’s modest approach due to the economic situation but at what point did they suddenly realise there is an economic challenge in the country? When they were sending out invitations, didn’t they know about the economic reality then?"

Describing the cancellation as another case of presidential abstinence, Mallam Abdullahi also questioned why President Bola Tinubu failed to attend other key national events in recent times, including the passing-out parade of the Nigerian Defence Academy. He insisted that such absences raise concerns about the government’s priorities.