The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, arrived in Nigeria on Sunday through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after what party officials described as strategic engagements in India.
He was welcomed at the airport by the NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed; Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo; Senator representing Kano Central, Rufai Hanga; alongside other key figures of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
A video that circulated widely on social media showed the former presidential candidate undergoing security screening at the airport.
He was dressed in a white babariga and his trademark red Kwankwasiyya cap.
Speaking with Punch, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, confirmed the authenticity of the footage.
“Yes, it is true. Senator Kwankwaso arrived in Abuja this afternoon, where he was met with party officials and NNPP chieftains before heading home,” Johnson said.
Johnson explained that the trip to India was for official purposes.
“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 follows developments in the United States, where a bill currently before Congress reportedly mentioned him among individuals proposed for targeted sanctions over alleged violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
The proposed measure, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (HR 7457), was introduced by Congressman Riley Moore and co-sponsored by Congressman Chris Smith.
The legislation seeks to impose visa restrictions and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on individuals and groups accused of involvement in religious freedom violations.
Among those referenced in the proposal are Kwankwaso, Fulani-ethnic nomad militias, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
As of the time of this report, Kwankwaso has not publicly commented on the proposed sanctions.
