The Kwankwassiya movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have strongly rejected a proposed United States visa ban and asset freeze against their leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, condemning the recommendation as unjust, politically motivated, and rooted in what they described as selective judgment against an opposition figure.
The backlash follows the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 in the US Congress, which proposes sanctions against Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah groups, and alleged Fulani militias over accusations of religious persecution in Nigeria.
Reacting to the development, Kwankwassiya spokesman Mansur Kurugu affirm that members received the news with shock and are reviewing its implications before issuing a detailed position.
“We received the information just like any other Nigerians with shock. At the moment, we are studying what that means and at a later time we shall issue a proper statement,” he said.
Party Rejects Allegations
The NNPP described the sanctions proposal as contrived and aimed at damaging the reputation of its national leader. National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson said it was surprising that Kwankwaso was singled out over alleged violations he “knows nothing about.”
“We see this development as a contrived action against an innocent man who clearly has no relationship with religious fundamentalism in Nigeria. His record is there in the public domain, either in public office or in private life, and it is advisable for people to investigate properly before reaching such conclusions,” Johnson stated.
The party further questioned claims linking Kwankwaso to blasphemy laws in Kano State, arguing that other governors who introduced Sharia law were not similarly accused, which it said raises concerns about fairness and selectivity.
“Is Rep Riley Moore being fair or selective? Why were the other state governors who introduced Sharia in their states not accused as well? Isn’t it strange that it is Kwankwaso, an opposition leader who has consistently spoken out about insecurity, that the United States now appears to be turning on?” he asked.
“Claims Don’t Match Record”
The NNPP insisted Kwankwaso’s political history contradicts accusations of religious extremism. It noted that he ran alongside a Christian bishop, Isaac Idahosa, as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election, maintained cordial relations with Christian leaders in Kano, and allegedly ensured Boko Haram was pushed out of the state during his tenure as governor.
“These are facts which should guide the 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 party said.
Bill Details
The proposed US bill, sponsored by Representative Riley Moore and other lawmakers, seeks to address alleged religious persecution in Nigeria. It recommends visa restrictions and asset freezes on individuals and groups accused of serious violations of religious freedom, calls for certain Fulani militias to be designated as terrorist organisations, and mandates annual reports on Nigeria’s compliance with the International Religious Freedom Act.
If passed, the legislation could heighten diplomatic and political pressure on Nigeria. However, the Kwankwassiya movement and the NNPP maintain that Kwankwaso’s inclusion reflects political targeting rather than the outcome of a credible investigation.
Elijah Adeyemi
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