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.
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Omokri Endorses E-Transmission, Calls Real-Time Clause Impractical
Reno Omokri, a political commentator and ambassador-designate, has endorsed the electronic broadcast of election results but cautioned against insisting on real-time transmission, calling it impractical given Nigeria’s current infrastructure.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Wednesday, Omokri stated that he is in favor of reforms that increase election openness but contended that detractors should have realistic expectations.
“I support the electronic delivery of results if that’s what you want. Omokri asserted, “I don’t believe anyone who will oppose that is patriotic.”
However, he insisted that it was impractical to implement a real-time component in every polling station in the nation, pointing to Nigeria’s vastness and inconsistent network coverage as key challenges.
He stated, “The problem is that these individuals are requesting impractical policies for the electronic transmission of results in real-time.”
Omokri cited the most recent elections in South Africa as an analogous instance.
“What happened in South Africa is exactly what happened in Nigeria in 2023,” he remarked. In Nigeria, election results can be communicated online. But because Nigeria is a big country, there are some areas where you won’t have coverage.
His remarks coincide with the continuing controversy surrounding the recently passed Senate Electoral Act (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill 2026.
After eliminating the term “real-time” from the section on the electronic transmission of results, lawmakers faced criticism. Since, protesters, including opposition leaders and civil society organizations, have held rallies at the National Assembly, charging senators with trying to erode electoral openness.
Critics contend that the term “real-time” is required to avoid manipulation during collation, even though Senate leadership stated that electronic communication is still covered by the statute.