The Deputy National Women Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Hon. Solape Olatunbosun, has strongly rejected a proposed bill in the United States Congress seeking to impose sanctions on the party’s National Leader, Dr. Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over alleged severe violations of religious freedom.
In a statement addressing the development, Hon. Solape Olatunbosun described the initiative as fundamentally misguided and lacking credible evidentiary support. She maintained that the allegations do not align with Kwankwaso’s public service record or political antecedents, emphasising that he has consistently upheld principles of pluralism, inclusivity, and constitutional governance throughout his career.
The proposed legislation, introduced by five U.S. lawmakers, seeks to compel the U.S. Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report outlining American efforts to address religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria. The bill situates its concerns within the broader landscape of Nigeria’s persistent security and sectarian challenges.
Hon. Solape, however, criticised what she described as the selective focus on Kwankwaso, arguing that referencing patterns of religious violence and accountability gaps to single out one political figure amounts to politicisation. She suggested that such actions could be interpreted as attempts to weaken his standing ahead of forthcoming national elections.
She further noted that religious tensions in Nigeria are longstanding and multifaceted, stressing that attributing responsibility to an individual political actor oversimplifies a complex national issue. According to her, Kwankwaso, the former Governor of Kano State and a prominent national figure has consistently demonstrated commitment to peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony.
The NNPP chieftain also underscored that Kwankwaso has not been indicted by any international tribunal in connection with religious persecution. She cautioned that unilateral sanctions, if pursued, could undermine diplomatic norms and the foundational principle of sovereign equality in international relations.
Calling for restraint, Hon. Solape advocated constructive international engagement anchored on collaboration with Nigerian authorities rather than punitive measures directed at opposition leaders. She stressed that durable solutions to religious conflict must prioritise domestic institutional reforms, enhanced security coordination, and inclusive socio-economic development.
She concluded by reaffirming the party’s confidence in Kwankwaso’s leadership and urged stakeholders at all levels to approach the matter with objectivity, due diligence, and respect for Nigeria’s constitutional and democratic framework.
