The National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, returned to Nigeria on Sunday, arriving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after what the party described as strategic engagements in India.
Kwankwaso was received in Abuja by the NNPP National Chairman, Dr Ajuji Ahmed; Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo; Senator Rufai Hanga, who represents Kano Central; and several leaders of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
A video circulating online showed the former presidential candidate walking through airport security dressed in a white babariga and his trademark red Kwankwasiyya cap.
Confirming his return, NNPP National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson said Kwankwaso arrived in the capital on Sunday afternoon and was welcomed by party officials before proceeding home.
Johnson explained that the trip to India was primarily for meetings with educational institutions, during which Kwankwaso also received an award. He added that the visit took place before what he described as “false narratives” began to circulate.
Kwankwaso’s return comes days after a bill introduced in the US Congress listed him among individuals proposed for targeted sanctions over alleged violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (HR 7457), was sponsored by Riley Moore and co-sponsored by Chris Smith.
The bill recommends visa restrictions and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act for individuals and organisations accused of involvement in religious freedom abuses.
Those mentioned include Kwankwaso, Fulani ethnic nomad militias, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
While the NNPP has defended its leader, Kwankwaso has not publicly commented on the proposed US sanctions.
