Breaking News
BREAKING NEWS: Kwankwassiya, NNPP Object US Sanctions on Kwankwaso as Blackmail
LAGOS — The Kwankwassiya movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have rejected a proposed United States visa ban and asset freeze on their leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing the move as unfair, politically motivated and based on “selective judgement” against an opposition figure in Nigeria.
Their reactions followed the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 in the US Congress, which recommends sanctions against Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah groups and alleged Fulani militias over claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.
Spokesman of the Kwankwassiya movement, Mansur Kurugu, said the group received the development with shock and was already studying the implications.
“We received the information just like any other Nigerians with shock. At the moment, we are studying what that means and at a later time we shall issue a proper statement,” Kurugu said.
Vanguard gathered that Kwankwaso is currently out of the country.
NNPP Fires Back
Also reacting, the NNPP described the sanctions proposal as “contrived” and an attempt to smear the reputation of its national leader.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said it was curious that Kwankwaso was being singled out for alleged religious freedom violations he “knows nothing about”.
“We see this development as a contrived action against an innocent man who clearly has no relationship with religious fundamentalism in Nigeria. His record is there in the public domain, either in public office or in private life, and it is advisable for people to investigate properly before reaching such conclusions,” Johnson said.
The NNPP questioned the basis of the allegation, particularly claims linking Kwankwaso to blasphemy laws in Kano State.
According to the party, other governors who introduced Sharia law in northern Nigeria were not accused, raising concerns about fairness and selectivity.
“Is Rep Riley Moore being fair or selective? Why were the other state governors who introduced Sharia in their states not accused as well? Isn’t it strange that it is Kwankwaso, an opposition leader who has consistently spoken out about insecurity, that the United States now appears to be turning on?” Johnson asked.
‘Political Targeting’
The party further argued that Kwankwaso’s political history contradicts claims of religious extremism, noting that he ran with a Christian bishop, Isaac Idahosa, as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
It also said Kwankwaso maintained close relationships with Christian leaders in Kano and allegedly ensured Boko Haram was pushed out of the state during his tenure as governor.
“These are facts which should guide the Congress and its leaders to conduct a thorough investigation so that justice is done to the noble name of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and he is cleared of such undue embarrassment,” the party said.
Background
The US bill, sponsored by Representative Riley Moore and others, seeks to address alleged religious persecution in Nigeria and proposes visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and groups accused of severe violations of religious freedom.
It also urges the designation of certain Fulani militias as terrorist organisations and mandates annual reports on Nigeria’s compliance with the International Religious Freedom Act.
If passed, the legislation could widen diplomatic and political pressure on Nigeria.
However, the Kwankwassiya movement and NNPP insist the inclusion of Kwankwaso in the proposal reflects political targeting rather than credible investigation.
Breaking News
El-Rufai Should be Investigated Over Links to Insecurity, Corruption – Adeyanju to DSS, EFCC
Civil rights campaigner and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Department of State Services, DSS, to probe former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, citing allegations of corruption and concerns about how insecurity was managed while he was in office.
In a statement on Thursday, Adeyanju urged the anti-corruption agency and the intelligence service to act with fairness and independence.
According to him, accountability must apply to all public officials, past or present.
He described as “strange”, the assertions of political persecution allegedly advanced by El-Rufai, arguing that the former governor’s tenure was frequently criticized for suppressing opposing voices.
Adeyanju claimed that multiple critics among them activists, clerics and political commentators, allegedly faced detention, harassment, or intimidation during that period.
He further asked the DSS to investigate purportedly contentious security strategies linked to El-Rufai’s administration, including allegations that financial inducements were given to violent groups.
According to him, such claims raise profound national security concerns and warrant a comprehensive investigation.
Adeyanju said: “I call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately investigate former Governor Nasir El-Rufai over allegations of corruption and his handling of insecurity during his time in office. No one should be above the law.
“If there are questions about financial misconduct or abuse of office, he must give a full account, and the relevant agencies must not succumb to any form of blackmail or intimidation.
“It is strange to hear claims of political persecution from a man whose administration was repeatedly accused of silencing critics.
“Several individuals who spoke against his government, including activists, religious leaders, and public commentators, were reportedly arrested, harassed, or intimidated.
“The unresolved disappearance of one of his prominent critics, who was abducted in front of his family, remains a painful reminder of that era and must not be forgotten.
“Furthermore, the DSS should investigate reported claims that his government engaged in controversial security arrangements, including allegations that payments were made to violent actors.”
Breaking News
Electoral Act: Buba Galadima Says ‘Senate is our servants
A chieftain of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, Buba Galadima, has challenged the Senate to always remember that they are servants sent to make laws for the good of Nigerians.
Galadima alleged that the inclusion of ‘but’ in the proposed electronic transmission of election results provides an opportunity for rigging in the 2027 general elections.
Galadima spoke on Arise Television on Thursday.
He warned the Senate against thinking that Nigerians are unintelligent, stating that
what the Senate did was trying to be wise by half.
“The Senate should know that they are out servants. We sent them to do law for the good governance of Nigeria.
“The Senate hasn’t made any amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act because they left it as it is. What the Senate did was try to be wise by half, and they thought Nigerians are as unintelligent as they are.
“We are not taking any electronic transmission bill with a ‘but’. It will rather enhance rigging. They don’t have an opinion above the opinion of the people.
“In Nigeria, 101% supports electronic transmission of election results. There’s no single person except a beneficiary of fraud that supports manual transfer of election results,” Galadima said.
-
Breaking News2 months agoBreaking News: Nigerian Air Force Reportedly Kills 750 Terrorists in Borno State
-
News In Diaspora3 weeks agoNigerian JTF Arrests Woman Supplying Drugs to Boko Haram
-
Breaking News1 day agoNew Young Players are Coming in Super Eagles – Ibrahim Gusau to Fans
-
Breaking News1 day agoADC: Former Rivers Gov, Donald Duke Appointed As Chairman of Leadership Forum
-
Breaking News3 months agoEx-EFCC Exhibit Keeper Kaduna Zonal Directorate, Allegedly Steals ₦22m
-
Politics1 day ago2027: Cubana Chief Priest Vows to Work Against Peter Obi
-
Business1 day agoBREAKING: No Fewer Than 28 Ships to deliver Petrol, other Commodities at Lagos Ports
-
Breaking News1 day agoEmergency: Arik Air Flight Landed at Benin Airport
