A chieftain of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Abubakar Yesufu, has stated that the proposed sanctions by United States lawmakers against former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso did not come as a surprise.
Naija News reports that United States lawmakers initiated a new bill aimed at increasing accountability for human rights abuses in Nigeria.
The bill, the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, contains provisions for potential sanctions against Fulani militias and Kwankwaso.
Reacting to the development during an interview on Arise Television, Yesufu said that the American lawmakers may be trying to checkmate the profile of Kwankwaso because he commands support.
He said, “Well, I would say as a person, it did not come to me as a surprise.
“I saw it coming as soon as Kwankwaso took those lawmakers you mentioned to the cleaners when they actually questioned their propriety of coming to investigate the country and asking America to allow us to use discretion in paving the way for a truly free society.
“It’s also shocking in the other way. We should look at it the other way because Kwankwaso is one of the most profound in terms of education encouragement and all that.
“Even the All Progressives Congress, APC, acknowledged that he helped register 10 million voters nationwide, with Kano alone contributing 8 million votes.
“We have started a petition, and I don’t think the American Congress will ignore this. We must consider his background and track record before jumping to conclusions.”
