Kwankwassiya and NNPP Condemn US Sanctions Proposal as Selective Political Attack
The Kwankwassiya political movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have vehemently rejected a proposed United States visa ban and asset freeze targeting their leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Both groups have characterized the legislative move as fundamentally unfair, politically motivated, and based on what they describe as "selective judgement" specifically aimed at a prominent opposition figure in Nigeria.
Reactions to US Congressional Bill on Religious Freedom
The strong reactions follow the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 in the US Congress. This proposed legislation reportedly recommends sanctions against Kwankwaso, alongside Miyetti Allah groups and alleged Fulani militias, over claims of religious persecution occurring within Nigeria.
Mansur Kurugu, spokesman for the Kwankwassiya movement, stated that the group received the development with profound shock and is currently reviewing its full implications. "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," Kurugu explained, indicating a measured but concerned initial response.
NNPP Labels Sanctions as "Contrived" and Defends Leader's Record
In a separate and more detailed reaction, the NNPP's National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, described the sanctions proposal as "contrived" and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the national image of its leader. Johnson forcefully questioned the factual basis of the allegations, asserting that Kwankwaso has no connection whatsoever to religious extremism.
"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 declared.
Challenging Allegations of Blasphemy Law Links and Highlighting Inconsistencies
The NNPP specifically challenged claims attempting to link Kwankwaso to blasphemy laws in Kano State. The party pointed out a perceived inconsistency, arguing that other northern state governors who introduced Sharia law in their jurisdictions have not faced similar accusations or proposed sanctions from the United States.
"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?" Johnson asked rhetorically, suggesting a political bias in the targeting.
Pointing to a History of Religious Tolerance and Inclusion
The party further argued that Kwankwaso's extensive political history directly contradicts any accusations of religious intolerance. As a key piece of evidence, the NNPP highlighted that Kwankwaso selected a Christian cleric, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, as his running mate during the 2023 presidential election campaign.
According to the NNPP's statement, during his tenure as governor of Kano State, Kwankwaso maintained cordial and productive relationships with Christian leaders and took concrete administrative steps to curb insurgent activities. "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 concluded.
Details of the Proposed US Legislation and Its Potential Impact
The proposed US legislation, sponsored by Representative Riley Moore and other congressmen, seeks to address alleged severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria. Its provisions include recommendations for:
- Visa bans on accused individuals.
- Asset freezes targeting those same individuals and groups.
- The potential designation of certain Fulani militias as foreign terrorist organizations.
If passed into law, this bill could significantly increase diplomatic pressure on the Nigerian government, marking a notable escalation in international scrutiny of the nation's internal religious dynamics and security situation.
