The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has rejected a proposal by some United States lawmakers to blacklist its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over alleged religious freedom violations.
The proposal reportedly seeks to impose a visa ban on Kwankwaso and freeze his assets, alongside sanctions targeting the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and certain Fulani groups.
Reacting to the development, the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, described the move as unfair and politically motivated, insisting that Kwankwaso has no record of religious intolerance.
Daily Trust had earlier reported that some US congressmen sponsored a bill seeking sanctions against Kwankwaso and others over what they termed “severe religious freedom violations.”
However, Johnson dismissed the allegations, stating that Kwankwaso had never been involved in actions that undermine religious freedom.
“We see this development as a contrived action against an innocent man who clearly has no relationship with religious fundamentalism in Nigeria,” Johnson said.
He argued that Kwankwaso’s public record — both in office and in private life — demonstrates his commitment to national unity and peaceful coexistence.
The NNPP also referenced comments previously made by Kwankwaso when President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution. At the time, Kwankwaso cautioned against what he described as oversimplified characterisations of Nigeria’s security challenges, emphasising the country’s sovereignty and the complex nature of its internal threats.
Johnson further addressed comments reportedly made by US Representative Riley Moore, who questioned Kwankwaso’s role in implementing Sharia law in Kano State during his tenure as governor.
Kano, alongside several northern states including Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Yobe, Jigawa and Borno, adopted the Islamic legal code in the early 2000s.
“But is this enough to accuse Kwankwaso of severe religious freedom violations?” Johnson asked. “Why were other governors who introduced Sharia not similarly accused? Is this fair or selective?”
He also pointed to Kwankwaso’s political history, noting his past alliance with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his 2023 presidential ticket, which featured Bishop Isaac Idahosa, a Christian cleric, as his running mate.
According to the party, these examples reflect Kwankwaso’s cross-religious political engagements and undermine claims of religious extremism.
The NNPP called on US lawmakers, particularly Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, to conduct a thorough investigation before reaching conclusions.
“We urge the Congress to ensure that justice is done and that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s name is cleared of such undue embarrassment,” Johnson said.
