As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Day, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) unleashed a stinging critique of President Bola Tinubu’s national broadcast, accusing him of ignoring the everyday suffering of Nigerians.

In a bold and biting counter‑narrative, the ADC claimed Tinubu’s address was a “propaganda performance” divorced from reality — a polished speech void of meaningful solutions.

A Celebration Silenced by Critique

According to the ADC, what should have been a unifying message of hope instead came off as tone-deaf.

The party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the president’s boast that Nigeria had surpassed revenue goals, pointing to a ₦21.22 trillion shortfall between projected and actual revenue ― a glaring mismatch that, in ADC’s view, exposes the administration’s “misleading narrative.”

“How do you celebrate record revenue when Nigerians can’t afford a meal?” they asked, in effect. The ADC also hammered Tinubu on three painful policies that cut deep into the daily lives of citizens:

1. A 5% petrol tax, described as “cruel” at a time when fuel subsidy removal already pushed prices skyward.

2. A 300% hike in international passport fees, which the party said is now among the most expensive in the world relative to income levels.

3. Ongoing borrowing and debt accumulation, despite claims of fiscal sufficiency.

“To borrow while boasting surplus revenue is a mockery of governance,” ADC declared.

Beyond the Rhetoric: What Nigerians Heard

Behind the numbers lies a deeper discontent. Citizens, activists, opposition voices — nearly all declared the President’s speech missed the mark.

They argue Tinubu’s message was heavy on accolades, light on accountability.

Social media erupted: many users lamented that the President didn’t address skyrocketing inflation, insecure communities, electricity deficits, or joblessness.

Also Read: Governor Adeleke Grants Amnesty to 36 Convicts on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day

Opposition voices echoed the frustrations. Phrank Shaibu, spokesman for Atiku Abubakar, called Tinubu’s words “empty rhetoric divorced from the daily struggles of Nigerians” — invoking proverbs to drive home the message: “If the pot is empty, the stomach still rumbles.”

Civil society and watchdogs lamented that speeches must do more than uplift spirits — they must also propose change, accountability, and immediate relief.