Sowore Says Nigeria Cannot Truly Celebrate Independence Day

Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress presidential candidate, used Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary on Thursday to challenge the nation's ability to meaningfully mark the occasion. In a post on social media platform X, Sowore argued that millions of Nigerians remain unable to celebrate because they continue to experience widespread poverty, hunger, joblessness, and security challenges.

Sowore, a human rights activist, framed the critique around the gap between Nigeria's political independence from Britain in 1960 and the lived reality of ordinary citizens. He stated that while Nigeria formally achieved independence over six decades ago, the nation has not delivered on the fundamental promises of that independence—namely freedom, dignity, justice, and equality across the population.

The activist emphasized that true independence requires more than a break from colonial rule. According to Sowore, genuine independence demands that citizens have access to basic services, freedom from oppression, and the ability to live with dignity.

He called for an end to corruption as part of achieving these conditions. Sowore's remarks were made publicly through social media on Independence Day itself, directly addressing the annual national commemoration.

His statement reflected broader national conversations about economic hardship and security concerns that have dominated public discourse in Nigeria during 2026.