The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has said Nigerians cannot genuinely celebrate the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary while millions remain trapped in poverty, hunger, unemployment and insecurity.

Sowore made the remarks in a statement on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary, arguing that true independence should guarantee freedom, dignity, justice and equality for citizens.

He noted that although Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960, many Nigerians had yet to enjoy what he described as the fundamental benefits of independence.

The AAC candidate said citizens continued to face serious difficulties, including poverty, hunger, unemployment, insecurity and inadequate access to basic services.

He also criticised the state of education, healthcare and electricity, while accusing those entrusted with managing public resources of misappropriation.

Sowore said Nigerians themselves were not responsible for the country’s challenges, describing them as hardworking, creative and resilient.

He, however, accused successive governments of failing to properly utilise Nigeria’s human and natural resources, saying citizens had continued to bear the consequences.

The activist said Nigerians deserved more than ceremonial celebrations and political promises, calling for a country where workers could earn living wages and citizens could access quality education, healthcare and reliable electricity.

He also called for farmers to be able to work without fear and for young Nigerians to have opportunities to build meaningful lives.

Sowore said the responsibility of his generation should extend beyond celebrating the independence achieved in 1960, arguing that Nigerians should work towards addressing what he described as internal forms of oppression and injustice.

He called for greater action against corruption, poverty, ethnic manipulation, religious intolerance and divisive politics.

The AAC candidate said Nigeria’s future should be built around a system that serves all citizens rather than a privileged section of the population.