The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) says it has formally written to the United States congress to defend Rabiu Kwankwaso, its 2023 presidential candidate, following allegations linking him to terrorism.
Ahmed Ajuji, the party’s national chairman disclosed this during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday.
He stated that the party moved quickly to counter what it described as politically motivated accusations.
Ajuji said the party was surprised that Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, was singled out in the allegations while others mentioned were organisations.
According to him, the NNPP wrote to US lawmakers to clarify the situation and clear the former presidential candidate of any wrongdoing.
He described the claims as controversial and suggested that the allegations might be politically driven, expressing confidence that the explanations provided by the party would correct what it believes is a misunderstanding.
The NNPP chairman insisted that Kwankwaso has no links to terrorism, adding that his record as governor showed his commitment to promoting religious harmony during his two terms in office.
“This is a question that is wrapped in so many controversies. It is a religious kind of accusation, but at the end of the day, we believe that it is a political witch-hunt which the US Congress has embarked upon,” he said.
According to him, the party formally communicated its position to US lawmakers in defence of Kwankwaso.
The development follows a proposed bill introduced by US lawmakers, including Riley Moore and Chris Smith, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026.
It was gathered that the development seeks to increase accountability for human rights abuses in Nigeria and could include sanctions against Fulani militias and individuals mentioned in the allegations.