The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has rejected reports linking Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, its national leader, to religious freedom violations contained in a proposed United States legislation, describing the move as “contrived” and politically suspicious.
In a statement issued Wednesday from its National Secretariat in Abuja, the party expressed shock that Kwankwaso was reportedly named in the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457) currently before the US Congress.
According to reports, the bill recommends targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, against individuals and groups accused of severe religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
The NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, dismissed the allegations against Kwankwaso, insisting that the former Kano State governor has no record of religious extremism or intolerance.
“We see this development as a contrived action against an innocent man who clearly has no relationship with religious fundamentalism in Nigeria,” Johnson said.
“His record in public office and private life is available in the public domain. It is advisable for people to investigate properly before reaching such conclusions.”
The controversy follows comments reportedly made by US Congressman Riley Moore, who questioned Kwankwaso’s role in the implementation of Sharia law in Kano State during his tenure as governor.
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Moore was quoted as accusing the former governor of complicity in the death of Christians and referencing laws that prescribe capital punishment for blasphemy.
Kano was among several northern states that adopted and implemented Sharia law in the early 2000s, alongside Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Yobe, Jigawa and Borno states.
However, the NNPP questioned why Kwankwaso was singled out in the proposed legislation, arguing that other governors who implemented similar policies were not mentioned.
“Is Rep. Moore being fair or selective?” the party queried, suggesting that broader geopolitical considerations may be at play.
The NNPP also recalled that Kwankwaso had previously criticised what he described as “oversimplified characterisations” of Nigeria’s internal security challenges, particularly after the United States redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution.
In a statement posted on his X account at the time, Kwankwaso emphasised Nigeria’s sovereignty and the complex nature of insecurity across the country, noting that various communities face threats from criminal elements.
Defending its leader’s record, the party highlighted Kwankwaso’s efforts against insurgency during his time as governor, claiming that Boko Haram activities were effectively curtailed in Kano under his administration. It also pointed to what it described as his longstanding relationships with Christian leaders within and outside Kano State.
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The NNPP further referenced Kwankwaso’s political history, noting that he supported former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a Christian, during a previous presidential contest and selected Bishop Isaac Idahosa as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
“These are verifiable facts that should guide members of the US Congress, particularly Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, to conduct a thorough investigation before tarnishing the reputation of a national leader,” Johnson said.
The party concluded by calling for fairness and due diligence, urging US lawmakers to ensure that any legislative action is based on comprehensive and balanced assessments.
The proposed US bill has continued to generate debate in Nigeria’s political space, particularly amid growing international scrutiny over religious freedom and security challenges in the country.
