President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his admiration for the tribute he received from the Acadêmicos de Niterói during this year's Carnival, calling it extraordinary. He clarified that he merely accepted the invitation to be the theme of their samba parade and did not take part in any creative decisions or planning for the event. Lula reminisced about his late mother, lamenting that she could not hear the samba that honored him.

Despite Lula's praise, the Acadêmicos de Niterói faced a disappointing outcome as they were relegated from the Special Group and will compete in a lower division starting in 2027. This outcome has sparked some discussions among supporters and critics alike about the significance of the tribute versus the competitive standing of the school. While Lula acknowledged the school's efforts and creativity, he chose not to comment on how the evangelical community perceived the tribute.

The president's remarks shed light on the challenges and dynamics of Carnival culture in Brazil, especially as it intersects with political figures. Lula's acceptance of the homage is seen as a recognition of cultural expression, although the school's relegation raises questions about the competitive nature of Carnival and the potential impact of such tributes on public perception. His comments reflect a careful balance between celebrating cultural festivities and acknowledging the realities of competitive outcomes within that context.