The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have come together to oppose the suggested visa bans and asset freezes recommended by United States lawmakers against former Kano State Governor Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. This reaction stems from allegations of violations of religious freedoms in Nigeria, particularly involving Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, and another group, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. The legislation in question is the 'Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026,' introduced in the US House by multiple lawmakers seeking to hold individuals accountable for their actions regarding religious liberties.

The bill advocates for significant sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, a legislative tool designed to combat human rights abuses globally. The APC has vehemently criticized the sanctions, asserting that the allegations against Kwankwaso and the others do not provide sufficient grounds for restricting their civil liberties without due process. This highlights the contentious relationship between the Nigerian political landscape and international scrutiny over human rights issues, particularly regarding religious freedoms.

By attempting to invoke US legislation to impose these sanctions, the lawmakers are aiming to exert pressure on Nigerian officials and organizations implicated in religious violence and discrimination. However, the backlash from Nigerian political parties like the APC and NNPP suggests a complex interplay between domestic politics and foreign intervention, raising questions about national sovereignty and the implications of international sanctions on a country's internal affairs.