The Dr. Agbo Major Gilbert–led New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Thursday described the proposal by U.S. lawmakers to investigate and sanction its 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, as most unfortunate. The party however stressed that Kwankwaso would face any investigation as an individual, not as a member of the party, since he had already been expelled.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Vice Chairman (Northwest), Alhaji Sani Danmasani, the NNPP expressed concern over the development.
It recalled that U.S. lawmakers had introduced a bill aimed at addressing alleged religious persecution and mass killings of Christians in Nigeria. The bill also proposed the designation of Fulani militias as terrorists and sanctions against certain Nigerian individuals and groups, including Kwankwaso.
Danmasani questioned why reports of Kwankwaso’s alleged complicity in terrorism acts appeared to unsettle Buba Galadima, the Kwankwasiya Movement, and other followers of the NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate.
He noted that Kwankwaso’s sudden medical trip abroad coincided with the disappearance of key officers of his group from Abuja and Kano. Figures such as Dr. Ahmed Ajuji, Mr. Dipo Olayoku, Prince Onu Nweze, and Barrister Ladipo Johnson were alleged to have gone into hiding or fled to their home states.
“Kwankwaso is not guilty until proven guilty. His followers have failed by presuming him guilty and running away both in Kano and Abuja,” Danmasani said.
He lamented that some Kwankwasiya members in Kano and neighboring states had discarded their trademark red caps out of fear. He further alleged that the factional NNPP office under Kwankwaso and Ajuji’s leadership in Abuja had been abandoned, with staff fleeing for safety.
Danmasani added that the EFCC and ICPC may soon conclude investigations into alleged financial mismanagement of NNPP accounts from 2022 to 2025. He suggested that Governor Ahmed Yusuf’s defection to the APC was a move for self-protection and in the interest of Kano State.
The NNPP stressed that Kwankwaso would face any investigation as an individual, not as a member of the party, since he had already been expelled. It also ruled out the possibility of Kwankwaso or his allies contesting under the NNPP in 2027.
“Every registered political party in Nigeria is our sister party. We have no issues with any political party and cannot be used for personal vendetta,” the statement read.
Danmasani criticized Buba Galadima’s defense of Kwankwaso on Arise Television, describing him as “a shadow of himself.” He concluded by urging Kwankwaso, Galadima, and Governor Yusuf to act with the fear of God in their dealings, especially during difficult times.