The Kwankwasiyya Movement has rejected a US bill proposing sanctions against its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over alleged religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457) seeks to impose visa bans and asset freezes on Kwankwaso and other groups, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.
In a statement, spokesperson Habibu Sale Mohammed called the allegations “unfounded” and “politically motivated,” urging the U.S. Congress to remove Kwankwaso’s name from the bill.
The movement defended Kwankwaso’s record, noting that Sharia-based legal systems in Northern Nigeria were constitutional and not unique to Kano State.
It argued singling out Kwankwaso raises questions about the evidentiary standard behind the bill.
Kwankwaso, a former Deputy Speaker, two-term Governor of Kano, Minister of Defence, and Senator, has never been formally accused or prosecuted for religious persecution.
The group highlighted his 2023 presidential ticket with Bishop Isaac Idahosa as evidence of his commitment to religious inclusion.
It also pointed to Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with countries practicing Islamic jurisprudence to stress constitutional sovereignty and context.
The movement described the proposed sanctions as a potential political targeting by rivals or individuals seeking personal scores.
U.S. lawmakers Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga introduced the bill claiming systemic persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement reaffirmed its support for Kwankwaso, describing him as a nationalist, democrat, and statesman committed to unity and inclusive governance.
It expressed confidence that fairness, due diligence, and objective assessment would ultimately prevail in evaluating the former governor’s record.
