The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Independence Day speech, accusing him of prioritising political self-praise over national reflection and historical relevance.
Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the ADC and a prominent opposition figure, described the President’s address as a missed opportunity to unite and inspire Nigerians at a crucial moment in the country’s democratic journey.
President Tinubu, during his national broadcast marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, focused on key reforms and economic milestones his administration claims to have achieved in the past 28 months. However, Abdullahi contended that the tone and content of the speech were inappropriate for such a historic occasion.
“Listening to the President, you would think he was delivering a budget speech or an annual performance review, rather than speaking to the history and spirit of a nation like Nigeria,” Abdullahi said. “I was waiting for him to anchor his message within a historical context, but sadly, he was not able to rise above the narrow confines of his administration’s talking points.”
The opposition spokesperson further alleged that the achievements listed in Tinubu’s speech were “superficial and mere propaganda,” and did not reflect the lived realities of most Nigerians, who continue to grapple with economic hardship and insecurity.
“He mentioned insecurity only in passing,” Abdullahi noted. “Yet every day, Nigerians live in fear. It is shocking that such a critical issue was treated so casually in a national address.”
According to Abdullahi, Independence Day is not a platform for partisan scorecards but a moment for sober reflection, national unity, and visionary leadership.
“For me, it’s a big disappointment that the President did not understand the historical significance of this moment,” he stated. “He chose instead to speak as a party man, not a national leader.”
Abdullahi concluded by saying the speech failed to connect Nigerians to their shared past or inspire hope for a better future, calling on the President to adopt a more inclusive and reflective tone in national discourse.
As reactions continue to trail the President’s address, observers and political analysts await further responses from civil society groups and other political parties in the days ahead
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