NNPP, Kwankwassiya Condemn U.S. Plan to Ban Kwankwaso’s Visa

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Kwankwassiya Movement have denounced a planned asset freeze and visa ban for its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the United States, claiming the action is unjust, politically driven, and based on “selective judgment” against a Nigerian opposition figure.

Following the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026’s introduction in the US Congress, which suggests sanctions on Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah organizations, and purported Fulani militias due to allegations of religious persecution, these responses were made.

Mansur Kurugu, a spokesman for the Kwankwassiya Movement, stated that the group was surprised by the news and is currently researching its ramifications.

Like all Nigerians, we were shocked to learn the news. We are now researching the implications of that, and we will make a formal announcement later,” Kurugu stated.

Kwankwaso is presently abroad, according to information Vanguard obtained.

NNPP Labels the Proposal “Contrived”
The proposed penalties were also denounced by the NNPP, which said they were an attempt to damage the country’s leader’s image.

Ladipo Johnson, the party’s national publicity secretary, said in a statement that it was “curious” Kwankwaso was being singled out for alleged abuses of religious freedom that he “knows nothing about.”

According to Johnson, “we see this development as a contrived action against an innocent man who obviously has no relationship with religious fundamentalism in Nigeria.”

He continued by saying that such accusations are not supported by Kwankwaso’s public record, both in his private and official life.

He stated, “His record is in the public domain… and it is advisable for people to investigate properly before reaching such conclusions.”

The party also disputed the proposal’s foundation, specifically assertions that Kwankwaso was connected to Kano State’s blasphemy laws.

Is Representative Riley Moore acting impartially or favoritism? Why were the governors of the other states who implemented Sharia law in other jurisdictions not also charged? Isn’t it odd that the United States suddenly seems to be turning against Kwankwaso, an opposition leader who has often voiced concerns about insecurity? “Is that right?” Johnson asked.

The claims of religious fanaticism, according to the NNPP, are incompatible with Kwankwaso’s political background.

It stated that Kwankwaso maintained tight ties with Christian leaders in Kano and ran alongside Bishop Isaac Idahosa, a Christian, in the 2023 presidential election.

The party also claimed that while Kwankwaso was governor of Kano State, he worked to guarantee that Boko Haram was driven out of the state.

The statement said, “These facts 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.”

What the U.S. Bill Suggests
In order to address claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, Representative Riley Moore and colleagues are sponsoring the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026.

It suggests designating some Fulani militias as terrorist organizations, prohibiting visas and freezing assets for people and organizations suspected of grave religious freedom violations, and requiring yearly reports on Nigeria’s adherence to the International Religious Freedom Act.

The law might increase political and diplomatic pressure on Nigeria if it is passed.

The Kwankwassiya Movement and the NNPP, however, maintain that Kwankwaso’s inclusion in the proposal is more indicative of political targeting than a reliable inquiry.