The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has kept mum on calls for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, but criticised the clampdown on protesters demanding freedom for the 58-year-old.

The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who spoke on Tuesday’s edition on Channels Television’s Politics Today, 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 on the current affairs show.

Abdullahi noted that the ADC would not take a position on Kanu’s detention since the matter remains before the court.

“Kanu has not been convicted, and because the case is in court, we will not comment on it. If he were convicted, we could then debate why criminals and drug traffickers are being released while he is still held,” he explained.

On Monday, security operatives fired tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered in Abuja, demanding the release of the IPOB leader.

The demonstration, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, began near Transcorp Hilton despite a court order and police warning. Protesters chanted “Free Nnamdi Kanu now” before security agents fired into the air to break up the crowd.