Abuja — The Kwankwassiya movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have strongly rejected a proposed United States visa ban and asset freeze targeting their leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing the move as unfair, politically motivated, and based on what they termed “selective judgment.”
The reaction follows the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 in the US Congress. The proposed legislation recommends sanctions against Kwankwaso, certain Miyetti Allah groups, and alleged Fulani militias over claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.
Kwankwassiya Reacts
Spokesman of the Kwankwassiya movement, Mansur Kurugu, said the group received the development with shock and is currently reviewing its implications.
“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.
Sources indicate that Kwankwaso is presently out of the country.
NNPP Describes Move as “Contrived”
Also responding, the NNPP dismissed the sanctions proposal as “contrived” and an attempt to tarnish the reputation of its national leader.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, questioned the rationale for singling out Kwankwaso over alleged religious freedom violations.
“We see this development as a contrived action against an innocent man who clearly has no relationship with religious fundamentalism in Nigeria. His public record—both in office and private life—is available for scrutiny. It is advisable for proper investigations to be conducted before reaching such conclusions,” Johnson stated.
The party further challenged claims linking Kwankwaso to blasphemy laws in Kano State, arguing that other northern governors who introduced Sharia law were not similarly accused.
“Is Representative Riley Moore being fair or selective? Why were other 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 on insecurity—that now appears to be targeted?” Johnson asked.
‘Political Targeting’
The NNPP maintained that Kwankwaso’s political history contradicts allegations of religious extremism. The party noted that he selected a Christian cleric, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, as his running mate during the 2023 presidential election.
It also highlighted his alleged efforts to strengthen interfaith relations in Kano State and combat insurgency during his tenure as governor.
“These are facts which should guide the US Congress to conduct a thorough and objective investigation so that justice is done and Senator Kwankwaso’s name is cleared,” the party added.
Background
The proposed US bill, sponsored by Representative Riley Moore and other lawmakers, seeks to address alleged religious persecution in Nigeria. It recommends visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and groups accused of severe violations of religious freedom.
The legislation also calls for the designation of certain Fulani militias as terrorist organisations and mandates annual reporting on Nigeria’s compliance with the International Religious Freedom Act.
If passed, the bill could increase diplomatic and political pressure on Nigeria. However, both the Kwankwassiya movement and the NNPP insist that Kwankwaso’s inclusion in the proposal reflects political bias rather than credible evidence.
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