Compiled By: Malami Haruna Dogondaji
1 OCTOBER, 2026, ABUJA – NIGERIA
Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2026, with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) calling on citizens to embrace patriotism, unity, and tolerance as the nation reflects on its democratic journey.
The Statement
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to embrace patriotism, unity and tolerance.
The National Chairman of IPAC, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, in a statement, said 66 years of independence was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly after the country had navigated political upheavals, military interventions, the Civil War, economic recessions and socio-religious challenges.
He said Nigeria had remained resolute in its quest to build a strong, united, stable, prosperous, equitable and just democratic society.
The Council added that the Nigerian spirit remained unbroken, resilient and boundless, urging citizens to move forward with faith in themselves and in the country.
IPAC also saluted the vision and sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers, who fought for the country’s independence from British colonial rule, expressing hope that their labour would not be in vain.
Context: Nigeria at 66
Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa becoming the country’s first Prime Minister. The 2026 anniversary therefore marks 66 years since independence and 27 years of uninterrupted constitutional democracy.
The Federal Government declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the anniversary, with the celebration held under the theme: “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
Related Messages from Other Leaders
The IPAC statement aligns with similar independence anniversary messages from other Nigerian leaders and organisations:
- President Bola Tinubu delivered a nationwide broadcast declaring Nigeria has entered the “age of prosperity” after crossing the “red sea” of economic reforms.
- First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu stressed nurturing Nigeria’s diversity through peace, tolerance, dialogue, unity, and love.
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged renewed commitment to national unity and collective responsibility.
- Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called on Nigerians not to despair but to keep hope alive, preaching peace, unity and national cohesion.
- Allied People’s Movement (APM) — also chaired by Dantalle — urged Nigerians to embrace a “national reset” on the occasion.
- Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) warned workers would resist any attempt to rig the 2027 general election or intimidate voters.
About IPAC
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) is a body comprising all registered political parties in Nigeria. It serves as a consultative forum for political parties to engage with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on electoral matters and democratic consolidation.
IPAC stands for free, fair, credible and all-inclusive elections to deepen democracy in Nigeria.
About Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle
Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle serves dual roles as:
- National Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)
- National Chairman, Allied People’s Movement (APM)
This dual capacity explains why similar independence messages appeared under both IPAC and APM banners during the 66th anniversary celebrations.
Call to Action: Join the Conversation on Nigeria’s Future
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, your voice matters in shaping the nation’s democratic future.
What You Can Do:
- Share Your Vision — Use #NigeriaAt66 to share what a united, prosperous Nigeria means to you
- Engage in Civic Dialogue — Participate in community discussions on national unity and democratic values
- Hold Leaders Accountable — Demand issue-based politics and reject vote-buying ahead of 2027 elections
- Support IPAC’s Mission — Advocate for free, fair, credible and all-inclusive elections in your constituency
- Stay Informed — Follow verified news sources and fact-check claims before sharing
The Nigerian spirit remains unbroken, resilient and boundless. Move forward with faith in yourself and in your country. 🇳🇬
This report was compiled using verified information from official government statements, IPAC communications, NTA Newsroon news-feeds and multiple independent news sources as of October 1, 2026.
