El-Rufai Claims APC Behind Kwankwaso's U.S. Blacklisting

In an interview with Arise Television's Prime Time, Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, responded to questions regarding the U.S. Congress's blacklisting of Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State and presidential candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

El-Rufai implied that the All Progressives Congress (APC) might be involved in this action against Kwankwaso, who has reportedly refused to join the APC despite rumors of his potential move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). El-Rufai highlighted the context of increasing scrutiny over human rights abuses in Nigeria, particularly regarding the proposed legislation, the Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2026, which includes provisions for potential sanctions against Fulani militia.

He also noted that Kwankwaso's political stance is complicated by the historical implementation of Sharia law in northern states, particularly in Zamfara, suggesting that the APC might be using this situation to deflect blame.