The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has rejected a bill before the United States Congress that seeks to impose sanctions on its national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over alleged “severe religious freedom violations.”
The proposed legislation, introduced on Tuesday by five US lawmakers in the House of Representatives, directs the Secretary of State to submit a report on US efforts to address ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.
If enacted, it would empower the Departments of State and Treasury to impose sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, on individuals and entities deemed responsible for such violations.
Kwankwaso, Fulani Groups Listed for Sanctions
The bill specifically names Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State; the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN); Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore; and other Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria.
Responding on Wednesday, NNPP national publicity secretary Ladipo Johnson described the allegations as a “contrived action” targeting an innocent leader with no links to religious fundamentalism.
“We see this development as a contrived action against an innocent man who clearly has no relationship with religious fundamentalism in Nigeria,” Johnson said in a statement. “His record, both in public office and private life, is in the public domain, and these claims should be properly investigated before conclusions are drawn.”
Party Cites Kwankwaso’s Prior Responses to US Actions
Johnson attributed the bill to Kwankwaso’s previous reaction to former US President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” on religious persecution.
The NNPP official highlighted that Kwankwaso had publicly cautioned against oversimplifying Nigeria’s challenges, stressing the country’s sovereignty and the threat posed by criminal elements.
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Riley Moore, the bill’s sponsor, questioned Kwankwaso’s role in the introduction of full Sharia law in Kano during his tenure as governor and alleged complicity in the deaths of Christians.
Johnson countered that Kwankwaso has been vocal about insecurity in Nigeria and noted that the US maintains good relations with other Sharia-governed countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
NNPP Urges Thorough Investigation and Due process
Johnson further stated that Kwankwaso, as governor of Kano, helped eradicate Boko Haram in the state and maintained close relations with Christian leaders. He called on US lawmakers, particularly Reps.
Riley Moore and Chris Smith, to conduct a thorough investigation to verify the credibility of the claims and protect Kwankwaso’s reputation.
“These are the facts, which should guide Congress to conduct a proper inquiry into Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s record and clear his name from undue embarrassment,” Johnson said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
