ADC Breaks Silence on Nigerians’ Right to Protest, Dodges Question on Nnamdi Kanu
ADC Defends Nigerians’ Right to Protest, Declines Comment on Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has refrained from making any official statement on the detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, but has condemned the crackdown on protesters demanding his release.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC’s focus was on protecting citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“Without prejudice to why Nnamdi Kanu is being held, as a party, we have 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 of or against anything the government does or fails to do.
“That right is fundamental and sacrosanct,” Abdullahi said.
He added that since Kanu’s case remains before the court, the ADC would not take a position on his continued detention.
On Monday, security operatives fired tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered in Abuja to demand Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
The demonstration, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, was disrupted after police fired into the air, scattering the crowd.
There was also a heavy security presence across key areas, where roadblocks caused traffic congestion.
Abdullahi criticised the restriction of protesters from accessing the National Assembly, describing it as undemocratic.
“The National Assembly is the bastion of democracy in Nigeria. It is surprising 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.