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, but condemned the clampdown on protesters demanding his freedom.
The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, speaking on Tuesday’s edition of Politics Today on Channels Television, said the party’s priority was to defend citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“Without prejudice to why Nnamdi Kanu is being held, as a party, we have not issued any statement on the matter,” Abdullahi said. “What we are saying is that citizens have the right to demonstrate. They have the right to protest for or against any government action or inaction. That right is fundamental and sacrosanct.”
He explained that the ADC would not take a stance on Kanu’s detention since the case is still before the court.
“Kanu has not been convicted, and because the case is in court, we will refrain from commenting. If he had been convicted, then we could question why known criminals and drug traffickers are being freed while he remains in custody,” he added.
On Monday, security operatives fired tear gas to disperse protesters gathered in Abuja demanding Kanu’s release. The protest, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, began near Transcorp Hilton despite a police warning and court order. Demonstrators chanted “Free Nnamdi Kanu now” before security agents fired into the air to disperse them.
Heavy security was deployed at key locations, including Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, the Federal Secretariat, and the Three Arms Zone. Several major roads, such as Shehu Shagari Way, were barricaded, resulting in severe traffic congestion.
Abdullahi criticised the decision to block protesters from reaching the National Assembly, calling it undemocratic.
“The National Assembly is the symbol of democracy in Nigeria. It is shocking that protesters were prevented from accessing it. Citizens should be free to visit the Assembly, submit letters, and present petitions to their representatives. That is what democracy means,” he stated.
He also questioned the legality of any court order restricting Nigerians from exercising their constitutional freedoms.
“I do not believe the court has the authority to take away the right to free expression guaranteed by the Constitution,” Abdullahi said.
Following the dispersal, Sowore accused the police of unprovoked attacks, claiming that Kanu’s brother and lawyer were beaten and arrested.
“There was no provocation on our part. They simply began firing tear gas and even live bullets,” he said on The Morning Brief on Channels Television.
Sowore maintained that there was no valid order barring the protest and vowed to challenge the police actions. He also questioned why similar restrictions were not applied to those demonstrating against Kanu’s release.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin later defended the officers’ actions, saying they acted within the law to prevent damage to critical infrastructure.
By Tuesday morning, normalcy had returned to Abuja, with business activities and traffic flow restored.
The protest coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS demonstrations, which called for police reforms and justice for victims of brutality.
Nnamdi Kanu, who faces terrorism-related charges, has remained in detention since his 2021 extradition from Kenya. His legal team continues to demand his release on health grounds.