Full Independence Day Message by the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate
October 1, 2025 – Abuja, Nigeria
Fellow Nigerians,
Today marks the 65th anniversary of our nation’s independence, a day that should inspire joy, gratitude, and remembrance.
It is a moment to honour the courage and sacrifices of our heroes who fought to free Nigeria from colonial rule, and to give thanks to Almighty God for sustaining us as a nation.
On October 1, 1960, Nigeria stood tall before the world as a newly independent nation destined for greatness. We were celebrated as a rising African economic and political power. Such was our promise that Time Magazine envisioned Nigeria as a future African superpower a leader that would uplift the continent with pride and purpose.
Our founding fathers fought for independence with vision, confidence, and faith determined to build a united, prosperous, and just Nigeria capable of standing alongside the most advanced nations.
However, decades of failed and shortsighted leadership have derailed that noble vision. Yet, even in the face of setbacks, Nigeria’s resilience has never wavered.
In 1999, we overcame the dark years of military dictatorship and restored democracy. That historic transition rekindled hope launching a new journey toward prosperity, freedom, and justice. We built Africa’s largest economy, improved democratic institutions, and strengthened our place on the global stage.
But over the past decade, under the APC’s incompetent, divisive, and corrupt leadership, our nation has been severely diminished.
Economic Decline and Mounting Debt
By the end of 2007, Nigeria’s total public debt was about ₦2.5 trillion roughly 10% of GDP thanks to the debt forgiveness of over $30 billion achieved by the Obasanjo administration. This fiscal prudence laid a strong foundation.
By 2014, Nigeria had become Africa’s largest economy and was on track to achieve middle-income status.
In 2015, for the first time in our history, a ruling party lost a presidential election, marking a milestone in democratic maturity.
Today, progress has been reversed. Our total public debt has exploded to nearly ₦175 trillion, close to 50% of GDP, yet without any improvement in productive sectors.
We have fallen to fourth place among African economies behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria.
Our democracy, once celebrated, is now being described globally as “undemocratic.”
Rising Poverty and Human Suffering
In just one year, this administration has pushed over 15 million Nigerians into acute poverty.
More than 150 million citizens now lack access to basic healthcare, quality education, clean water, and sanitation and that number continues to rise daily.
While the government imposes heavy taxes on struggling citizens and small businesses, it indulges in extravagant spending:
Billions of naira are allocated for new presidential jets, yachts, and luxury cars exceeding the entire 2024 budget for primary healthcare.
The Vice President’s residence was renovated at a cost of ₦25 billion, more than the combined capital budgets of six federal university teaching hospitals.
Over ₦10 billion set aside for car parks and canteens in the National Assembly more than the capital budget of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, at a time when innovation is vital for national development.
Meanwhile, the cost of living has skyrocketed. Nigerians pay more for passports, electricity, fuel, food, rent, healthcare, and education, yet receive less in return.
Power supply remains unreliable, food insecurity deepens, and international agencies like UNICEF and WFP project that 33 million Nigerians will face acute hunger in 2025.
Insecurity and Governance Failure
Reckless borrowing continues not for productive investments, but to fund wasteful consumption.
Insecurity has further crippled the economy. Nigerians now live in fear of travelling by road, as kidnapping has become rampant, with billions paid in ransom annually.
The government’s incompetence in security management has turned Nigeria into one of the most terrorized nations in the world.
Cronyism, corruption, and disregard for the rule of law have driven away investors, while other African countries are now overtaking us as preferred investment destinations.
A Call to Hope and Action
Despite these grim realities, I remain convinced that a great Nigeria is still possible.
We possess the human capital, natural resources, and resilient spirit needed to rebuild our nation. But we must embrace a new kind of leadership, one that is visionary, accountable, compassionate, and committed to the common good.
Let us use this 65th Independence Anniversary not just to lament our past, but to rededicate ourselves to the promise of a better future.
- A Nigeria that works for all, not just the privileged few.
- A Nigeria where justice, equity, and opportunity define our society.
- A Nigeria that leads Africa once again in hope, progress, and dignity.
Together, we can restore faith in governance and build a nation our children will be proud to inherit.
May God bless you and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
