APC and NNPP Rally in Defense of Kwankwaso Amid US Sanctions Proposal
In a significant political development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have united to defend Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso against proposed sanctions by United States lawmakers. The US House of Representatives introduced a bill titled 'The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026,' which recommends visa bans and asset freezes for Kwankwaso and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria over alleged violations of religious freedoms.
Political Parties Condemn Proposed Sanctions as Unfair
The APC and NNPP have strongly rejected the proposed measures, arguing they lack proper due process and fair hearing. Bala Ibrahim, APC Director of Publicity, emphasized that allegations alone should not justify restricting an individual's freedom of movement. "They cannot, on the strength of an allegation alone, go ahead to suggest a ban or restriction on the freedom of movement of an individual without substantiating it, without subjecting him to a fair hearing and trial," Ibrahim stated.
Ladipo Johnson, National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, expressed shock at Kwankwaso's inclusion in the sanctions list and questioned the fairness of targeting him while other state governors who introduced Sharia law remain unaccused. "Why were the other state governors who introduced Sharia in their states not accused as well? Is Rep Moore being fair or selective?" Johnson asked during a press conference in Abuja.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy stems from accusations by US Congressman Riley M. Moore, who alleged that Kwankwaso enabled religious persecution through Sharia law implementation. These accusations followed Kwankwaso's response to former President Donald Trump's warnings about alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria. The Nigerian senator had called for unity and diplomatic engagement in addressing religious tensions.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad defended Kwankwaso, citing his anti-terrorism stance during various political roles. The proposed sanctions would be implemented under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which targets individuals and entities accused of involvement in human rights abuses, including religious freedom violations.
Broader Implications for US-Nigeria Relations
The proposed bill comes amid increased US military presence in Nigeria, driven by concerns over Christian persecution and security partnership with the federal government. The legislation also affects the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and its faction Miyetti Allah Kautal H0re, indicating broader concerns about religious freedom across multiple sectors of Nigerian society.
Both political parties emphasized the importance of proper legal procedures and evidence-based decision making in international relations. They argued that unilateral sanctions based on allegations could damage diplomatic relations and undermine the principle of fair hearing that forms the foundation of democratic justice systems.
The defense of Kwankwaso by both APC and NNPP leaders highlights the political significance of this issue, with potential implications for Nigeria's 2027 elections and ongoing religious harmony efforts. As the US Congress considers the bill, Nigerian political stakeholders continue to advocate for due process and balanced assessment of religious freedom concerns in the country.
