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, calling the move unfair, politically motivated and rooted in “selective judgment” against an opposition figure in Nigeria.
Their reactions followed the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 in the U.S. Congress, which recommends sanctions against Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah groups and alleged Fulani militias over claims of religious persecution.
The Spokesman of the Kwankwassiya Movement, Mansur Kurugu, said the group was taken aback by the development and is studying the implications.
“We received the information just like any other Nigerian with shock. At the moment, we are studying what that means, and at a later time, we shall issue a proper statement,” Kurugu said.
Vanguard gathered that Kwankwaso is currently out of the country.
NNPP Calls Proposal ‘Contrived’
The NNPP also condemned the sanctions proposal, describing it as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of its national leader.
In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said it was “curious” that Kwankwaso was being singled out for alleged religious freedom violations 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,” Johnson said.
He added that Kwankwaso’s public record, both in office and in private life, does not support such allegations.
“His record is there in the public domain… and it is advisable for people to investigate properly before reaching such conclusions,” he said.
The party also challenged the basis of the proposal, particularly claims linking Kwankwaso to blasphemy laws in Kano State.
“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 argued that Kwankwaso’s political history contradicts the allegations of religious extremism.
It noted that in the 2023 presidential election, Kwankwaso ran with a Christian running mate, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, and maintained close relationships with Christian leaders in Kano.
The party also said Kwankwaso had worked to ensure Boko Haram was pushed out of Kano State during his tenure as governor.
“These are facts which should guide the U.S. 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 statement read.
What The U.S. Bill Proposes
The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, sponsored by Representative Riley Moore and others, 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, designation of certain Fulani militias as terrorist organisations, and annual reports on Nigeria’s compliance with the International Religious Freedom Act.
If passed, the legislation could intensify diplomatic and political pressure on Nigeria.
However, the Kwankwassiya Movement and the NNPP insist the inclusion of Kwankwaso in the proposal reflects political targeting rather than a credible investigation.