The South East Patriots (SEP) views the commencement of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s defence stage as a historic and defining moment — a constitutional opportunity to reassert truth, justice, and dignity after years in which the Nigerian state has driven a one-sided narrative through continuous prosecution, detention, and negative propaganda.

I. ENUMERATED ADVANTAGES OF THE DEFENCE STAGE

  • Restoration of Fair Hearing:
    For the first time in years, the court and public will hear Kanu’s own account, backed by evidence and witnesses, rather than state-filtered accusations.
  • Shift from Accusation to Accountability:
    The defence compels the state to defend its own conduct — exposing procedural breaches, inconsistencies, and abuses that may have defined the prosecution phase.
  • Humanisation of Nnamdi Kanu:
    The defence provides a lawful platform to re-present Kanu as a conscious political actor seeking redress within constitutional limits, rather than as a criminal.
  • Reclaiming the Narrative from Persecution to Principle:
    Through credible evidence and due process, the defence will demonstrate how lawful dissent was criminalised and how constitutional guarantees were breached.
  • Exposure of Due Process Violations:
    The defence affords a forum to test the legality of his arrest, rendition, and detention under both domestic and international law.
  • Reinforcement of Judicial Integrity:
    The Nigerian judiciary now has the chance to show courage and impartiality, affirming that justice remains blind to politics.
  • Strategic and Diplomatic Leverage:
    A transparent defence will strengthen Kanu’s moral and political legitimacy, potentially reopening channels for national dialogue and reconciliation.
  • Moral Vindication Before History:
    The defence will provide a permanent record of how one man’s quest for fairness tested Nigeria’s democratic conscience.
  • Revival of Public Confidence:
    The process offers renewed hope that lawful and peaceful advocacy can triumph over coercion.
  • Creation of Historical Judicial Record:
    The defence proceedings will serve as a future reference point for justice and governance reform in Nigeria.

II. SEP CONDEMNS THE PLANNED SOWORE DEMONSTRATION

The South East Patriots condemns in the strongest possible terms the planned demonstration reportedly being mobilised by Mr. Omoyele Sowore, which is being targeted at Igbo traders and residents in Abuja.
Such a move, at this delicate stage of Nnamdi Kanu’s trial, is reckless, counterproductive, and insensitive. It risks derailing the defence process, jeopardising security, and distorting the legitimate narrative that Kanu’s legal team is painstakingly building through lawful means.
SEP notes with deep concern that Sowore’s style of mobilisation, which relies on ethnic and commercial targeting, is capable of triggering reprisals and security breaches — especially in the South East, where innocent citizens have repeatedly suffered from the fallout of actions beyond their control.
We remind the public that the Monday sit-at-home phenomenon — however misguided — is itself evidence of the sacrifices our people have endured in pursuit of justice for Nnamdi Kanu. Any fresh agitation or street confrontation would only worsen their hardship and insecurity.

III. SEP’S POSITION: CHANNEL ENERGIES TO THE BALLOT

SEP reaffirms its unwavering commitment to democratic engagement, lawful advocacy, and political participation as the only credible path to restructuring Nigeria and ensuring justice for the South East.
We therefore urge all patriots, traders, and youths to ignore calls for protests that may endanger lives or distract from the ongoing court process.
Instead, we must channel our collective energy to the ballot, voter mobilisation, and strategic political participation — the instruments of genuine power in a democracy.

IV. OUR MESSAGE TO THE NATION

At this critical moment, SEP calls for restraint, vigilance, and focus.
Let the court process run its full course.
Let the truth be tested under law, not under chaos.
Let justice speak for itself — not through street battles, but through evidence and advocacy.
The defence stage of Nnamdi Kanu’s trial is not a moment for protest; it is a moment for patience, discipline, and faith in justice.
Signed:
Sir Obunike C. Ohaegbu, KSJI, LLM
National Coordinator
SOUTH EAST PATRIOTS (SEP)
“For Justice, Equity and National Renewal”