The Kwankwassiya movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have rejected proposed US sanctions on their leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, calling them politically motivated and unfair. The sanctions, part of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, reportedly target Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah groups, and alleged Fulani militias over claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.

Mansur Kurugu, spokesman of Kwankwassiya, said the movement was shocked by the development and is currently studying its implications before issuing a formal response. Similarly, NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, described the proposed sanctions as “contrived” and an attempt to tarnish Kwankwaso’s reputation, arguing that he has no links to religious extremism.

Johnson further questioned why other northern governors who introduced Sharia law were not similarly accused, suggesting the US may be unfairly targeting Kwankwaso because he is an opposition leader. He highlighted that Kwankwaso maintained strong relationships with Christian leaders, ran with a Christian running mate in the 2023 presidential election, and took steps to address insurgency during his tenure as governor.

The NNPP called on the US Congress to thoroughly investigate the allegations and ensure justice, emphasizing that the proposed visa bans and asset freezes could harm diplomatic relations and unfairly damage the reputation of Senator Kwankwaso. The party maintains that all actions against him should be based on verified evidence rather than political considerations.