The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has maintained silence on growing calls for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, but strongly condemned the clampdown on citizens protesting in his support.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme monitored by DAILY POST on Tuesday, the party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC’s primary concern is the defense of citizens’ fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
“Without prejudice to why Nnamdi Kanu is being held, as a party, we’ve not made any statement on this,” Abdullahi said. “What we are saying is that citizens have the right to demonstrate. They have the right to protest in support or against anything the government does or fails to do. That right is fundamental and sacrosanct.”
He clarified that the ADC would not comment on Kanu’s continued detention since the matter is still before the court but insisted that stifling peaceful dissent undermines democracy.
His remarks came after security operatives fired tear gas and gunshots to disperse protesters in Abuja on Monday. The demonstration, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, kicked off near the Transcorp Hilton despite warnings from security agencies.
Protesters chanted “Free Nnamdi Kanu now” as they marched, prompting heavy police deployment across key areas including Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, the Federal Secretariat, and the Three Arms Zone, where major roads such as Shehu Shagari Way were barricaded, resulting in gridlock across the city.
Abdullahi criticized the restriction of protesters from approaching the National Assembly, describing the action as “undemocratic.”
“The National Assembly is the bastion of democracy in Nigeria. I am surprised that protesters are being stopped from going there. Citizens have the right to go to the National Assembly, submit letters, and hand petitions to their representatives. That is what democracy means,” he said.
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