𝗨𝗦 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹: 𝗡𝗡𝗣𝗣 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗞𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗼, 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹

Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, Investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

Nigeria — The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has vehemently rejected provisions of a proposed United States congressional bill that names its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, among individuals targeted for sanctions, branding the move politically motivated and an attempt at “blackmail.”The legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced on Tuesday in the U.S. House of Representatives by bipartisan lawmakers including Representatives Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and Chris Smith (R-New Jersey), alongside Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. The bill seeks to compel the U.S. Department of State and Treasury to consider targeted sanctions—including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act—against individuals and entities accused of involvement in severe religious freedom violations in Nigeria. The Telegraph Nigeria +2At a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, NNPP National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson described the move as an orchestrated attempt to tarnish the reputation of Kwankwaso, a prominent opposition leader and former governor of Kano State. Johnson challenged the allegations linking Kwankwaso to religious persecution, calling for rigorous investigation and fairness before imposing punitive measures. Punch Newspapers“The suggestion that our national leader has any hand in religious fundamentalism is unfounded. His record in public life reflects dedication to Nigeria’s unity and peaceful coexistence,” Johnson said, urging lawmakers in Washington to reconsider what the party perceives as a partisan narrative. Punch Newspapers the bill’s sponsors argue that the measure responds to documented incidents of violence and persecution, including estimates—cited in legislative text—of tens of thousands of Christians killed and thousands of churches destroyed over recent years. It also calls for assessments on whether certain Fulani-ethnic militias meet criteria for designation as foreign terrorist organizations and seeks expanded humanitarian assistance in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. The Nigerian InquirerKwankwaso’s political base and supporters have taken to social media to denounce the U.S. initiative, framing it as an attempt to undermine a key Northern leader. Some online commentators contend that the inclusion of asset freezes is symbolic and strategically aimed at shaping international perceptions ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Africa Press English Analysts note that the proposed sanctions bill comes amid heightened international scrutiny of religious freedom in Nigeria, especially after the Trump administration’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for alleged persecution of Christians. Nigeria’s federal government has consistently dismissed religious persecution narratives as overly simplistic representations of complex security challenges involving multiple actors. Vanguard News the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 has not yet been debated on the House floor and faces an uncertain trajectory in Congress. Its introduction, however, has triggered a broader political debate in Nigeria about the role of foreign legislative bodies in domestic affairs, sovereignty, and the protection of religious pluralism. The Telegraph NigeriaSources:• PUNCH Nigeria — US sanctions bill: NNPP defends Kwankwaso, alleges blackmail• The Telegraph Nigeria — US lawmakers introduce bill to sanction Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah• Independent Newspaper Nigeria — U.S. Targets Kwankwaso, Fulani Militias In New Nigeria Bill• Nigerian Eye — US Republican lawmakers propose visa ban on Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah• Africa-Press Nigeria — Supporters React to Proposed Sanctions Against Kwankwaso Punch Newspapers the Telegraph NigeriaIndependent Newspaper NigeriaNigerian News TodayAfrica Press English.

About The Author

Afilawos Magana Sur

author

Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.

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