The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has remained silent on calls for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.
However, the party condemned the clampdown on protesters demanding the freedom of the pro-Biafra leader.
Featuring on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television monitored by DAILY POST on Tuesday, the ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party was focused on defending citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
“Without prejudice to why Nnamdi Kanu is being held, as a party, we’ve not made any statement on this. 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 said.
According to Abdullahi, ADC would not take a position on Kanu’s detention since the matter remains before the court.
Recall that on Monday, security operatives fired tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered in Abuja demanding the release of the IPOB leader.
DAILY POST reports that the protest, led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, began near Transcorp Hilton despite a court order and police warning.
The demonstrators chanted “Free Nnamdi Kanu now” before security agents fired into the air to disperse the crowd.
It was also gathered that heavy security was deployed across key locations, including Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, the Federal Secretariat, and the Three Arms Zone, where major roads such as Shehu Shagari Way were barricaded, causing gridlock across the city.
However, the ADC spokesman faulted the restriction of protesters from the National Assembly, describing it 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 stated.
