LAGOS — The Kwankwassiya movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have strongly criticised a proposed United States legislation recommending sanctions against Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing the move as unfair, politically motivated and based on selective judgment against an opposition figure in Nigeria.
Their reactions followed the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 in the U.S. Congress. The bill reportedly recommends sanctions against Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah groups and alleged Fulani militias over claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.
Spokesman of the Kwankwassiya movement, Mansur Kurugu, said the group received the development with shock and is currently reviewing its implications before issuing a comprehensive response.
“We received the information just like other Nigerians, with shock. At the moment, we are studying what it means, and at a later time we shall issue a proper statement,” Kurugu said.
It was gathered that Kwankwaso is presently out of the country.
NNPP Rejects Allegations
Reacting to the development, the NNPP described the sanctions proposal as contrived and an attempt to tarnish the reputation of its national leader.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, expressed surprise that Kwankwaso was singled out over alleged religious freedom 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 in the public domain, both in public office and in private life. It is advisable for those concerned to investigate thoroughly before arriving at such conclusions,” Johnson said.
The party also questioned the basis of claims linking Kwankwaso to blasphemy laws in Kano State, arguing that several other northern governors who introduced Sharia law were not similarly accused.
“Is Representative Riley Moore being fair or selective? Why were other state governors who introduced Sharia in their states not mentioned? Isn’t it curious that it is Kwankwaso — an opposition leader who has consistently spoken about insecurity — that the United States now appears to be focusing on?” Johnson queried.
Allegations of Political Targeting
The NNPP further maintained that Kwankwaso’s political history contradicts claims of religious extremism. The party noted that during the 2023 presidential election, he chose a Christian cleric, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, as his running mate.
It also stated that Kwankwaso maintained cordial relationships with Christian leaders in Kano State and took decisive steps to address insecurity, including efforts that allegedly pushed Boko Haram elements out of the state during his tenure as governor.
“These are facts that 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 party said.
Details of the Proposed US Bill
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Representative Riley Moore and other lawmakers, seeks to address allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria. It recommends visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and groups accused of severe violations of religious freedom.
The bill also calls for the designation of certain Fulani militias as terrorist organisations and mandates annual reports assessing Nigeria’s compliance with the International Religious Freedom Act.
If passed, the legislation could increase diplomatic and political pressure on Nigeria.
However, the Kwankwassiya movement and the NNPP insist that Kwankwaso’s inclusion in the proposal reflects political targeting rather than the outcome of a credible and balanced investigation.
US Bill Proposing Sanctions on Kwankwaso Sparks Outrage from NNPP, Kwankwassiya Movement
