The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has said Nigeria cannot be regarded as truly independent 66 years after gaining independence from British colonial rule.
Sowore made the statement in his message commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The activist argued that the promise of independence remained unfulfilled for millions of Nigerians due to persistent poverty, hunger, unemployment, insecurity and inadequate access to basic services.
According to him, genuine independence should guarantee freedom, dignity, prosperity, justice and equality for citizens.
Sowore also criticised the state of education, healthcare and electricity in the country, while accusing successive governments of failing to properly utilise Nigeria’s human and natural resources.
He said Nigerians should not be blamed for the country’s challenges, describing them as hardworking, creative and resilient.
The AAC presidential candidate further argued that citizens deserved more than ceremonial Independence Day celebrations, speeches and promises.
He called for a Nigeria where workers can earn living wages, citizens have access to quality education and healthcare, electricity is reliable, farmers can operate without fear and people can freely challenge those in power.
Sowore said the responsibility of his generation goes beyond commemorating the independence attained in 1960, stressing that the country must continue the struggle to build a nation free from corruption, oppression, injustice and other forms of social inequality.
He maintained that achieving the full promise of independence requires creating conditions where Nigerians can enjoy greater freedom, dignity and opportunities.
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