By: Uchechi Ohanusi
The Kwankwassiya movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have strongly rejected a proposed United States visa ban and asset freeze on their leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing the move as unfair, politically motivated and based on what they termed “selective judgement.”
The development follows the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 in the US Congress.
The proposed legislation reportedly recommends sanctions against Kwankwaso, certain Miyetti Allah groups and alleged Fulani militias over claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.
Reacting to the development, spokesman of the Kwankwassiya movement, Mansur Kurugu, said the group received the news with shock and was already studying it's 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 said.
It was gathered that Kwankwaso is currently outside the country.
NNPP Fires Back Also reacting, the NNPP described the sanctions proposal as “contrived” and an attempt to smear the reputation of its national leader
NNPP Fires Back
Also reacting, the NNPP described the sanctions proposal as “contrived” and an attempt to smear the reputation of its national leader. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said it was curious that Kwankwaso was being singled out for alleged violations of religious freedom 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 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 said.
The party questioned the basis of the allegations, particularly claims linking Kwankwaso to blasphemy laws in Kano State.
According to the NNPP, other governors who introduced Sharia law in northern Nigeria were not similarly accused, raising concerns about fairness and selectivity.
“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 queried.
‘Political Targeting’ The party further argued that Kwankwaso’s political history contradicts claims of religious extremism. It pointed out that he ran with a Christian bishop, Isaac Idahosa, as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
The NNPP also maintained that Kwankwaso sustained cordial relationships with Christian leaders in Kano and allegedly ensured that Boko Haram elements were pushed out of the state during his tenure as governor.
“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 stated.
Background
The US bill, sponsored by Representative Riley Moore and other lawmakers, seeks to address alleged religious persecution in Nigeria. It proposes visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and groups accused of severe violations of religious freedom.
The legislation also urges the designation of certain Fulani militias as terrorist organisations and mandates annual reports on Nigeria’s compliance with the International Religious Freedom Act. If passed, the bill could widen diplomatic and political pressure on Nigeria.
However, both the Kwankwassiya movement and the NNPP insist that Kwankwaso’s inclusion reflects political targeting rather than the outcome of a credible and impartial investigation.
