BREAKING: Kwankwaso Returns to Nigeria from India Visit Amid Looming US Sanctions Threat

The National Leader of theNew Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, returned to Nigeria on Sunday via theNnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after what the party described as “strategic international engagements” inIndia.

Kwankwaso was welcomed by the NNPP National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed; the Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo; the senator representing Kano Central, Rufai Hanga; and other prominent members of theKwankwasiyya Movement.

In a viral video circulating on social media, the former presidential candidate was seen clearing security at the airport, dressed in a white babariga and his trademark Kwankwasiyya cap.

Confirming the footage, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, verified Kwankwaso’s arrival.

“Yes, it is true. Senator Kwankwaso arrived in Abuja this afternoon, where he was met with party officials and NNPP chieftains before heading home,” he said.

Johnson also explained the purpose of the trip.

“He went to India because of a meeting with educational institutions, where he was also given an award. That was where he was before all these false narratives broke out,” he stated.

Kwankwaso’s return came four days after a proposed bill before theUnited States Congresslisted him among individuals recommended for targeted sanctions over alleged religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

The bill, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (HR 7457), was introduced byRiley Mooreand co-sponsored byChris Smith.

The proposed legislation recommends visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and entities accused of involvement in religious freedom abuses, including Kwankwaso, Fulani-ethnic nomad militias, theMiyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, andMiyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

Apart from the party’s defence, Kwankwaso has yet to publicly respond to the proposed US sanctions. See more

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