The Kwankwasiyya Movement has formally opposed a move by five US lawmakers to include its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in proposed sanctions over alleged “severe religious freedom violations” in Nigeria.
The legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457), was introduced in the US Congress on Tuesday. If passed, it would require the US Departments of State and Treasury to impose visa bans and freeze assets belonging to Kwankwaso and groups such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) for their alleged role in persecuting Christians.
In a statement on Thursday, Kwankwasiyya spokesperson Habibu Sale Mohammed described the allegations as “unfounded” and “politically motivated,” urging the US Congress to remove Kwankwaso’s name from the bill.
The movement specifically challenged claims by US Representative Riley Moore, a sponsor of the bill, who reportedly linked Kwankwaso to religious extremism due to his implementation of Sharia law as governor of Kano State. The group emphasized that Sharia-based legal systems in northern Nigeria were constitutional developments, not initiatives of any single individual.
“The constitutional development of Sharia-based legal systems… was neither unique to Kano State nor the initiative of one individual,” the statement read. “To single out Senator Kwankwaso while similar arrangements exist in other states raises serious questions about the evidentiary basis of such recommendations.”
Kwankwaso, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, and Senator, has never been formally charged with religious persecution or human rights violations, the movement added. It also highlighted his efforts to curb extremist threats and protect citizens across religious divides during his tenure.
The statement cited Kwankwaso’s 2023 presidential campaign, in which he partnered with Bishop Isaac Idahosa as his running mate, as evidence of his commitment to religious inclusion and national balance.
“The United States maintains diplomatic and strategic relationships with countries whose legal systems incorporate Islamic jurisprudence,” the movement said, urging lawmakers to respect Nigeria’s constitutional sovereignty and legal pluralism.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement concluded by reaffirming support for Kwankwaso, describing him as “a nationalist, a democrat, and a statesman whose public service has been anchored on justice, unity, and inclusive governance.”
The bill’s sponsors are Representatives Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. It alleges that Kwankwaso has contributed to systemic persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The movement called on the US Congress to reject the recommendation against Kwankwaso and allow due diligence and objective assessment to prevail.
