The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has dismissed claims that a bill before the United States Congress seeks to impose targeted sanctions on its National Leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over alleged religious freedom violations.
In a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, the party expressed shock at reports that the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457) named Kwankwaso alongside the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and a Fulani ethnic militia for possible visa bans and asset freezes.
NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, described the allegations as contrived and unfair, saying:“We see this development as a contrived action against an innocent man who clearly has no relationship with religious fundamentalism in Nigeria.”
The party pointed to earlier social media exchanges involving U.S. lawmakers who linked Kwankwaso to the deaths of Christians and the introduction of Sharia law in Kano State during his tenure as governor.
Johnson questioned why Kwankwaso was singled out, noting that several other northern states had also adopted Sharia law, yet were not mentioned.
The NNPP argued that Kwankwaso had publicly cautioned against oversimplifying Nigeria’s security challenges, especially when Nigeria was redesignated a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution.
The party also highlighted his record as governor, citing his efforts to confront insurgency in Kano and maintain cross-religious relationships.
Additionally, the NNPP noted Kwankwaso’s support for former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a Christian, during elections and his choice of Bishop Isaac Idahosa as running mate in the 2023 presidential election, emphasising his commitment to religious inclusivity.
The party urged U.S. lawmakers, including Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, to conduct a thorough and fair investigation to clear Kwankwaso’s name.
This marks a strong rebuttal by the NNPP to allegations linking its leader to religious persecution and potential international sanctions.
