THE National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has returned to Nigeria following what his party described as “strategic international engagements” in India.
News Point Nigeria reports that Kwankwaso arrived on Sunday through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where he was received by top party officials and prominent members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Among those who welcomed the former presidential candidate were NNPP National Chairman, Dr Ajuji Ahmed; Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo; and the senator representing Kano Central, Rufai Hanga.
A viral video circulating on social media showed Kwankwaso passing through airport security dressed in a white Babariga and his trademark red Kwankwasiyya cap, a symbol closely associated with his political movement.
Confirming his arrival, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said the party leader returned to Abuja on Sunday afternoon.
“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 stated.
Johnson clarified that Kwankwaso’s visit to India was focused on engagements with educational institutions and included the conferment of an award.
“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 explained.
The party described the trip as part of Kwankwaso’s ongoing international outreach efforts.
Kwankwaso’s return comes amid heightened political debate following the introduction of a bill before the United States Congress recommending targeted sanctions against certain Nigerian individuals and groups over alleged religious freedom violations.
The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (HR 7457), was introduced by US Representative Riley Moore and co-sponsored by Chris Smith.
The bill calls for visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against individuals and entities accused of involvement in religious freedom abuses.
Those named in the proposal include Kwankwaso, certain Fulani-ethnic nomad militias, and organisations such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
While the NNPP has publicly dismissed what it described as “false narratives,” Kwankwaso has yet to issue a personal statement addressing the proposed sanctions.