The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Kwankwassiya Movement have denounced a planned asset freeze and visa ban for their leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the United States, claiming the action is unjust, politically driven, and based on “selective judgment” against a Nigerian opposition figure.
The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, which supports sanctions against Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah groups, and suspected Fulani militias over allegations of religious persecution, was introduced in the U.S. Congress and prompted their responses.
Mansur Kurugu, the spokesperson for the Kwankwassiya Movement, stated that the group was surprised by the news and is researching its ramifications.
We were as shocked as any other Nigerian when we heard the news. Kurugu stated, “We are currently researching the implications of that and will make a formal announcement later.”
According to information obtained by Vanguard, Kwankwaso is currently abroad.
Calls Proposal “Contrived” by NNPP
Additionally, the NNPP denounced the proposed fines, calling it an effort to damage its national leader’s reputation.
Ladipo Johnson, the party’s national publicity secretary, said in a statement that it was “curious” Kwankwaso was being singled out for “knows nothing about” alleged violations of religious freedom.
“This is a fabricated move against an innocent man who obviously has nothing to do with religious fundamentalism in Nigeria,” Johnson stated.
Kwankwaso’s public record, both in his private and official life, contradicts these accusations, he said.
His record is in the public domain, he stated, and before drawing such conclusions, individuals should conduct thorough research.
The proposal’s foundation was also contested by the party, especially assertions that Kwankwaso was connected to Kano State’s blasphemy laws.
Is Rep. Riley Moore acting impartially or favoritism? What prevented the other state governors who implemented Sharia law in their jurisdictions from facing similar charges? Isn’t it odd that the United States suddenly seems to be turning against Kwankwaso, an opposition leader who has frequently voiced concerns about insecurity? “What?” Johnson inquired.
According to the NNPP, Kwankwaso’s political background disproves the claims of religious extremism.
It mentioned Kwankwaso’s tight ties to Christian leaders in Kano and his running with a Christian running mate, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, in the 2023 presidential election.
The party further claimed that throughout his time as governor, Kwankwaso had made efforts to guarantee that Boko Haram was driven out of Kano State.
According to the statement, “these facts should guide the U.S. Congress and its leaders to conduct a thorough investigation so that justice is done to the noble name of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and he is cleared of such undue embarrassment.”
The U.S. Bill’s Proposals
Representative Riley Moore and others are sponsors of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, which aims to address claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.
In addition to designating specific Fulani militias as terrorist organizations and requiring yearly reporting on Nigeria’s adherence to the International Religious Freedom Act, it suggests banning visas and freezing assets for people and organizations suspected of grave religious freedom breaches.
Should the bill be approved, Nigeria may face more political and international pressure.
But according to the NNPP and Kwankwassiya Movement, Kwankwaso’s inclusion in the proposal is more a reflection of political targeting than a reliable inquiry.
