‘This Is A Wrong Move’: APC, NNPP Fire Back At US Lawmakers, Reject Proposed Sanctions On Kwankwaso

The All Progressives Congress and the New Nigeria Peoples Party have rejected the proposed visa bans and asset freezes recommended by United States lawmakers against former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore over alleged violations of religious freedoms in Nigeria.

The bill, titled, ‘The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026,’ was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Rep Chris Smith alongside Reps Riley Moore, Brian Mast and Bill Huizenga. According to report, the bill recommends visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against individuals and entities accused of involvement in religious freedom abuses.

Reacting to the proposed sanctions, the ruling APC insisted that the allegations alone could not restrict Kwankwaso’s movement without giving him a fair hearing.

In an interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, described the United States as a symbol of democracy, warning against imposing sanctions based on allegations alone.

He stated, “I think they (the United States of America) cannot just act on allegations. America is the beacon of democracy. America is the beacon of freedom, and it ought to be seen to be behaving in that manner.

“Now, whatever the allegation against former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and others is, it remains an allegation until it is proven.

“They cannot, on the strength of an allegation alone, go ahead to suggest a ban or restriction on the freedom of movement of an individual without substantiating it, without subjecting him to a fair hearing and trial.

“So I think that is a wrong move. It infringes on his right to a fair hearing, and I don’t support that.”

Also reacting, Kwankwaso’s party, the NNPP, described the sanctions proposal as “contrived” and an attempt to dent the reputation of the former Kano governor.

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.

The party noted that 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.

The NNPP further explained 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.

According to the party, 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.

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