The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has reacted with shock to reports that the United States Congress is considering a bill that lists the party’s national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, among individuals facing possible targeted sanctions.
The reaction follows the introduction of a bill in the US House of Representatives proposing visa bans and asset seizures against the former Kano State governor over allegations of systemic religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria. If eventually passed and implemented, the proposal could restrict Kwankwaso’s international travel and access to financial assets.
The draft legislation also calls for potential sanctions and terrorist designations against Fulani militia groups, specifically naming the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as organisations to be considered for punitive measures.
Titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, the bill was sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith alongside Rep. Riley Moore and other lawmakers. It seeks to compel the US Secretary of State to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and to determine whether certain Fulani groups qualify as foreign terrorist organisations.
The bill further mandates detailed reporting on religious persecution in Nigeria, alleging that such abuses have persisted since 2009 and citing attacks in Benue and Plateau states that reportedly led to thousands of deaths and mass displacement, mostly among Christian communities.
It also criticises the Nigerian government for what it describes as inadequate response to religious violence and calls for sustained diplomatic and economic pressure on Abuja, including continued designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
Responding to the development, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, rejected any suggestion that Kwankwaso is linked to religious freedom violations, describing the allegations as unfair and politically motivated. The party insisted that Kwankwaso’s public record shows no association with religious extremism.
The NNPP questioned why Kwankwaso was singled out over the implementation of Sharia law in Kano State, noting that several other northern governors had taken similar steps without facing comparable accusations. The party also highlighted Kwankwaso’s past political alliances with Christian leaders and his choice of a Christian running mate during the 2023 presidential election.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s military confirmed that around 200 US troops are expected to arrive in the country to provide training and advisory support to Nigerian forces, stressing that the personnel will not participate in combat operations and that Nigeria retains full control over security decisions.
