The Kwankwassiya movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have rejected a proposed United States visa ban and asset freeze on their leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing the move as unfair, politically motivated and based on what they called “selective judgement” against an opposition figure.

 

 

The reactions followed the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 in the US Congress. The bill reportedly recommends sanctions against Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah groups and alleged Fulani militias over claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.

 

 

Spokesman of the Kwankwassiya movement, Mansur Kurugu, said the group received the development with shock and was reviewing its 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.

 

 

Reacting separately, the NNPP described the sanctions proposal as “contrived” and an attempt to tarnish the image of its national leader.

 

 

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, questioned the basis of the allegations and said Kwankwaso had no connection 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 said.

 

 

The NNPP also challenged claims linking Kwankwaso to blasphemy laws in Kano State, arguing that other northern governors who introduced Sharia law were not similarly accused.

 

 

“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.

 

 

The party further argued that Kwankwaso’s political history contradicts accusations of religious intolerance. It noted that he ran alongside a Christian cleric, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.

 

 

According to the NNPP, Kwankwaso maintained cordial relationships with Christian leaders in Kano and took steps to curb insurgent activities 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 said.

 

 

The proposed US legislation, sponsored by Representative Riley Moore and others, seeks to address alleged religious persecution in Nigeria. It includes recommendations for visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and groups accused of severe violations of religious freedom, as well as the possible designation of certain Fulani militias as terrorist organisations.

 

 

If passed, the bill could increase diplomatic pressure on Nigeria.