The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has refused to be drawn into the controversy surrounding the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, maintaining that the matter remains before the court.
However, the party expressed strong disapproval over the recent clampdown on protesters demanding Kanu’s release, describing the action as a breach of democratic rights.
Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme monitored on Tuesday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said. At the same time, the party had not issued an official position on Kanu’s detention, but it was committed to defending citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest.
“Without prejudice to why Nnamdi Kanu is being held, as a party, we’ve not made any statement on that,” Abdullahi explained. “What we are saying is that citizens have the right to demonstrate. They have the right to protest in support of or against any action or inaction by the government. That right is fundamental and sacrosanct.”
The ADC spokesman further criticised the heavy-handed approach adopted by security operatives to quell peaceful demonstrations in Abuja, noting that such actions undermine the spirit of democracy.
Recall that on Monday, security personnel fired tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered in Abuja to demand Kanu’s release. The demonstration, led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, reportedly commenced near Transcorp Hilton despite police warnings and a subsisting court order.
The protesters were said to have chanted solidarity songs, including “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” before security agents dispersed them with gunshots and tear gas.
Heavy security presence was also observed across strategic locations in the Federal Capital Territory, including Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, the Federal Secretariat, and the Three Arms Zone. Major roads such as Shehu Shagari Way were barricaded, resulting in traffic gridlock across parts of the city.
Reacting to the development, Abdullahi faulted the decision to bar protesters from accessing the National Assembly, describing it as “an affront to democratic principles.”
“The National Assembly is the bastion of democracy in Nigeria,” he said. “I am surprised that protesters are being stopped from going there. Citizens have the right to approach their representatives, submit petitions, and express their grievances. That is the essence of democracy.”
The ADC’s position reflects a cautious balance between respecting judicial processes and upholding the rights of Nigerians to freely express dissent—an issue that continues to test the strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
