Kwankwassiya, NNPP reject US sanctions on Kwankwaso, allege political targeting

The Kwankwassiya movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have strongly rejected a proposed United States visa ban and asset freeze targeting their leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing the move as unfair, politically motivated, and based on “selective judgement” against an opposition figure.

The development follows the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 in the US Congress. The bill recommends sanctions on Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah groups, and alleged Fulani militias over claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.

Reacting, Kwankwassiya spokesman Mansur Kurugu said the group was shocked by the news and was assessing its implications.

“We received the information just like any other Nigerians, with shock. At the moment, we are studying what it means and will issue a proper statement later,” Kurugu said.

The NNPP also dismissed the sanctions proposal as “contrived” and an attempt to tarnish the reputation of its national leader.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, questioned why Kwankwaso alone was being singled out for alleged religious freedom violations, despite having no known links to religious fundamentalism.

“We see this development as a contrived action against an innocent man. His record, both in public office and private life, is on record. Proper investigation should guide any conclusions,” Johnson said.

The party further criticized the selective nature of the allegations, pointing out that other northern governors who implemented Sharia law were not accused.

“Is Rep Riley Moore being fair or selective? Why are other state governors who introduced Sharia not accused? It appears that Kwankwaso, an opposition leader who has consistently spoken on insecurity, is being targeted,” Johnson added.

Highlighting Kwankwaso’s record of religious tolerance, the NNPP noted that he ran with a Christian bishop, Isaac Idahosa, as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election, maintained strong relations with Christian leaders in Kano, and reportedly helped push Boko Haram out of the state during his tenure as governor.

“These facts should guide Congress to conduct a thorough investigation so that justice is done and Senator Kwankwaso is cleared of undue embarrassment,” the party said.

The US bill, sponsored by Representative Riley Moore and others, aims to address alleged religious persecution in Nigeria.

It proposes visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and groups accused of severe violations of religious freedom, recommends the designation of certain Fulani militias as terrorist organisations, and mandates annual reports on Nigeria’s compliance with the International Religious Freedom Act.

While the legislation could increase diplomatic and political pressure on Nigeria, Kwankwassiya and the NNPP insist that targeting Kwankwaso reflects political motives rather than credible investigation.