The Kwankwassiya Movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have denounced a planned asset freeze and visa restriction for Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, their leader, in the United States, claiming the action is unjust, politically driven, and based on “selective judgment” against a Nigerian opposition figure.
Their responses came after the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 was introduced in the U.S. Congress. The act suggests sanctions against groups affiliated with Miyetti Allah, Kwankwaso, and purported Fulani militias due to allegations of religious persecution.
Mansur Kurugu, the spokesperson for the Kwankwassiya Movement, stated that the group is investigating the ramifications after being shocked by the event.
As with all Nigerians, we were shocked to hear the news. We are currently researching the implications of it, and we will make a meaningful statement later,” Kurugu stated.
According to Vanguard, Kwankwaso is not in the nation at the moment.
Proposal Is “Contrived,” Says NNPP
In addition, the NNPP denounced the proposed sanctions, calling it an effort to damage the country’s leader’s image.
In a statement, Ladipo Johnson, the party’s national publicity secretary, expressed curiosity over Kwankwaso being singled out for purported abuses of religious freedom that he “knows nothing about.”
“We believe that this development is a fabricated act against a man who is innocent and obviously unrelated to religious fundamentalism in Nigeria,” Johnson stated.
According to him, Kwankwaso’s public record—both in his private and official life—does not corroborate these claims.
He stated that his record is in the public domain and that it is best for individuals to conduct thorough research before drawing such judgments.
Additionally, the party contested the proposal’s foundation, specifically allegations that Kwankwaso was subject to Kano State’s blasphemy laws.
Is Representative Riley Moore being impartial or biased? Why weren’t the other governors who implemented Sharia law in their states also charged? Is it not 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.
The NNPP contended that the accusations of religious fanaticism are incompatible with Kwankwaso’s political background.
In the 2023 presidential election, it was mentioned that Kwankwaso maintained tight ties with Christian leaders in Kano and ran alongside Bishop Isaac Idahosa, a Christian.
During his time as governor, Kwankwaso, the party added, strived to ensure that Boko Haram was driven out of Kano State.
The statement stated that these facts ought to direct the U.S. Congress and its leaders to carry out a comprehensive investigation in order to bring justice to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s honorable name and relieve him of such unnecessary shame.
Things The U.S. Bill Suggests
With the help of Representative Riley Moore and others, the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to address claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.
It calls for the classification of specific Fulani militias as terrorist organizations, the prohibition of visas and the freezing of assets for people and organizations suspected of grave religious freedom violations, and yearly updates on Nigeria’s adherence to the International Religious Freedom Act.
The law might increase political and diplomatic pressure on Nigeria if it is passed.
Nevertheless, the NNPP and the Kwankwassiya Movement maintain that Kwankwaso’s inclusion in the proposal is more indicative of political targeting than a reliable inquiry.
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