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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.
The party described the move as being unjust, politically driven, and rooted in what they described as “selective judgement” against an opposition figure in Nigeria.
The reactions followed the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 in the United States Congress, a bill that recommends sanctions against Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah organisations, and alleged Fulani militias over claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the Kwankwassiya movement, its spokesman, Mansur Kurugu, said the development came as a shock to members of the movement, noting that consultations were already underway to fully understand 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.
Kwankwaso is currently outside the country.
The NNPP also condemned the proposed sanctions, describing them as “contrived” and aimed at tarnishing the image of its national leader.
According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, it was puzzling that Kwankwaso was being singled out for alleged violations of religious freedom that 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.
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The party questioned the foundation of the allegations, particularly claims linking Kwankwaso to the enforcement of blasphemy laws in Kano State.
It argued that other governors who introduced Sharia law in parts of northern Nigeria were never accused, raising concerns about fairness and possible political bias.
“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 NNPP further cited Kwankwaso’s political record as evidence contradicting claims of religious extremism, noting that he chose a Christian bishop, Isaac Idahosa, as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
It also pointed to his relationship with Christian leaders in Kano and claims that Boko Haram was effectively 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 said.
The proposed US legislation, sponsored by Representative Riley Moore and other lawmakers, seeks to address alleged religious persecution in Nigeria and recommends visa restrictions and asset freezes on individuals and groups accused of serious violations of religious freedom.
The bill also calls for the designation of certain Fulani militias as terrorist organisations and mandates annual assessments of Nigeria’s compliance with the International Religious Freedom Act.
If enacted, the measure could intensify diplomatic and political pressure on Nigeria.
However, both the Kwankwassiya movement and the NNPP insist that Kwankwaso’s inclusion in the sanctions proposal reflects political targeting rather than the outcome of any credible or impartial investigation.
The post Kwankwassiya, NNPP dismiss US sanctions bid on Kwankwaso, cry foul over ‘selective judgement’ appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.
