NNPP condemns US bill seeking sanctions against Kwankwaso for alleged ‘severe religious freedom violations’
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has criticised a bill introduced in the United States Congress that seeks to impose sanctions on Rabiu Kwankwaso, the party’s national leader, over alleged “severe religious freedom violations”.
On Tuesday, five US lawmakers presented a bill in the House of Representatives directing the secretary of state to provide a “comprehensive report on US efforts to address the ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria”.
If passed into law, the proposed legislation would mandate the Departments of State and Treasury to enforce sanctions — including visa restrictions and asset freezes — on “individuals or entities responsible for severe religious freedom violations” in Nigeria.
Among those named for possible sanctions are Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano state; Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN); Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore; and groups described as “Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria”.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ladipo Johnson, NNPP national publicity secretary, rejected the claims, characterising them as a “contrived action” against a man he said has no links to religious extremism.
“We see this development as a contrived action against an innocent man who clearly has no relationship with religious fundamentalism in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
“His record is there in the public domain, either in public office or in private life, and it is advisable for people to investigate such things properly before reaching such conclusions.”
Johnson attributed the development to Kwankwaso’s earlier reaction to US President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over religious persecution.
In a post on X, Kwankwaso warned against “oversimplified characterisations” of Nigeria’s security issues, stressing the country’s sovereignty and the threat posed by criminal elements.
Riley Moore, who sponsored the bill, had questioned Kwankwaso’s “complicity in the death of Christians”, referencing the implementation of full Sharia law in Kano during his tenure as governor.
However, Johnson faulted the US lawmaker’s position, arguing that Kwankwaso has consistently spoken out about insecurity in Nigeria.
“Is Rep Moore being fair or selective? Isn’t the US in a good relationship with Qatar and Saudi (both Sharia countries)?” he asked.
“Isn’t it strange that it is Kwankwaso, an opposition leader that has spoken out so many times about the insecurity under this administration, that the United States now seems to be turning on?”
Johnson further stated that during his time as governor, Kwankwaso eliminated Boko Haram activities in Kano and maintained strong relationships with Christian leaders.
“These are the facts, which we think should guide the Congress and its leaders, particularly Reps Riley Moore and Chris Smith, to do a thorough investigation on the credibility of our leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, so that justice is done to his noble name and cleared of such undue embarrassment,” he added.