U.S. Lawmakers Blacklist Kwankwaso, NNPP Responds

The U.S. Congress has introduced a bill titled the "Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act 2026," which includes potential sanctions against individuals and groups, specifically mentioning former presidential candidate Rabi'u Kwankwaso and certain Fulani militia.

Abubakar Yesufu, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), commented on this development during an interview on Arise Television. He expressed that it was not surprising to see U.S. lawmakers take such action, given Kwankwaso's rising political influence and grassroots support across Nigeria.

Yesufu emphasized that foreign interests often become uneasy when a political figure gains significant local backing. He argued that Kwankwaso's extensive record in education and political mobilization does not align with the negative image suggested by the bill.

Furthermore, Yesufu stated that the NNPP has initiated a formal petition to challenge the blacklist and present Kwankwaso's public service record to American lawmakers for reconsideration.