The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has vehemently rejected recent reports alleging that a bill before the United States Congress seeks to impose targeted sanctions on its National Leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The party expressed shock over news that the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457) reportedly names Kwankwaso, alongside the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and a Fulani ethnic militia, for possible visa bans and asset freezes due to alleged severe religious freedom violations.

In a press statement issued in Abuja, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, dismissed the allegations as "contrived and unfair." Johnson emphasized that Kwankwaso is an innocent man with no ties to religious fundamentalism in Nigeria. He urged US lawmakers to conduct thorough investigations, asserting that Kwankwaso's public record in office and private life clearly demonstrates his credibility.

The NNPP addressed specific accusations, including a social media exchange where a US lawmaker accused Kwankwaso of complicity in the death of Christians and cited the introduction of Sharia law in Kano State during his tenure as governor. The party questioned the basis for singling out Kwankwaso, noting that several other northern states had adopted Sharia law without similar accusations. Furthermore, the NNPP highlighted that the United States maintains diplomatic relations with various countries operating under Sharia legal systems, raising questions about the fairness and selectivity of the proposed sanctions.

The party further argued that Kwankwaso had publicly cautioned against oversimplified characterizations of Nigeria’s security challenges when Nigeria was redesignated as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution. His statement at the time stressed that Nigeria is a sovereign nation facing diverse threats from outlaws across the country. The NNPP also recalled Kwankwaso's record as governor of Kano State, where he reportedly confronted insurgency, including the Boko Haram sect, and fostered close relationships with Christian leaders.

Demonstrating his commitment to inter-religious harmony, the NNPP cited Kwankwaso's support for former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a Christian, during elections, even when it reportedly led to him losing an election due to predominantly Muslim voters punishing him. More recently, in his 2023 presidential campaign, Kwankwaso ran with a Christian Bishop, Isaac Idahosa, as his running mate. These facts, the party stated, should guide the US Congress.

The NNPP called on US lawmakers, particularly Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, to conduct what it described as a thorough and fair investigation into the allegations to clear Senator Kwankwaso’s name and ensure justice is done, clearing him of what they consider undue embarrassment. The party also suggested that the timing of these accusations, coming shortly after the Nigerian government reportedly engaged a US consultant, was peculiar, especially given that Kwankwaso is a prominent opposition leader who has frequently spoken out about insecurity under the current administration.