Kano, Nigeria – February 12, 2026 — The leadership of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has strongly condemned and rejected the inclusion of its national leader and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in a proposed U.S. legislative move that recommends targeted sanctions and potential blacklisting over alleged links to religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
The reaction follows the recent introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (H.R. 7457) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Riley Moore (R-WV) and Chris Smith (R-NJ), among others, urges the U.S. Secretary of State to examine options for imposing Magnitsky-style sanctions on individuals believed to be complicit in violence against Christians, explicitly naming Senator Kwankwaso as one of the figures whose conduct should be reviewed.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, the party described the U.S. lawmakers’ proposal as “a regrettable act of political interference, selective targeting, and gross misinformation aimed at tarnishing the reputation of a respected Nigerian statesman.”
The statement read in part:
“The attention of the New Nigerian Peoples Party has been drawn to the unfortunate inclusion of our leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in a draft legislation before the United States Congress. We view this move as baseless, politically motivated, and lacking any credible evidence. Senator Kwankwaso is a well-known advocate for peace, unity, justice, and good governance in Nigeria. His public life, spanning decades of service as a lawmaker, governor, minister, and senator, has been dedicated to the welfare of all Nigerians regardless of tribe, religion, or region.
“It is disheartening that foreign lawmakers would lend credence to unverified and partisan narratives that seek to portray a distinguished Nigerian leader as complicit in religious violence. These allegations are not only unfounded but also ignore Senator Kwankwaso’s consistent calls for peaceful coexistence, equitable resource distribution, and security for all communities in Kano and across the country.”
The NNPP emphasised that Kwankwaso has never been formally charged, indicted, or convicted in any court—domestic or international—in connection with violence, religious persecution, or any related offences. The party accused unnamed “political detractors” of orchestrating a smear campaign through international channels to undermine Kwankwaso’s growing influence and his role in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
“Senator Kwankwaso remains a committed democrat who has consistently operated within the rule of law and the democratic process,” the statement continued. “He has contested elections, accepted outcomes, and contributed meaningfully to national discourse. We reject any attempt to criminalise or demonise him through foreign legislative platforms.”
The party further called on the U.S. Congress to exercise due diligence and rely on verified facts rather than what it described as “one-sided advocacy from interest groups.” It urged American lawmakers to engage directly with Nigerian authorities and stakeholders for a balanced understanding of the complex security challenges in the country’s Middle Belt and North-West regions, where clashes between farmers and herders have often been mischaracterised as purely religious conflicts.
The NNPP reiterated its support for Senator Kwankwaso, describing him as “a unifying figure whose vision for a just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria remains unshaken by external pressures or internal mischief.”
The statement concluded with a call on all Nigerians to remain vigilant against attempts to divide the country along religious or ethnic lines, and to support leaders who promote dialogue, fairness, and national cohesion.
Neither Senator Kwankwaso nor his media office has issued a separate personal response at the time of this report. However, close associates have indicated that the former governor considers the matter a distraction from more pressing national issues and will continue to focus on his political and developmental activities.
The proposed U.S. legislation remains in its early stages and has not yet been passed or enforced. Its final form and impact, if any, will depend on further congressional debate, potential amendments, and possible executive branch action should it become law.
The NNPP’s swift and robust defence of its leader underscores the sensitivity of the issue within Nigerian political circles and the party’s determination to counter what it perceives as an unwarranted international assault on one of its most prominent figures.
