The Kwankwasiyya Movement has rejected a proposal by five United States lawmakers seeking to blacklist its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over alleged “severe religious freedom violations” in Nigeria.
The proposal follows the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457) in the US Congress on Tuesday. If passed, the bill would require the US Departments of State and Treasury to impose visa restrictions and freeze assets belonging to Kwankwaso and organisations such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), over alleged involvement in the persecution of Christians.
Responding on Thursday, the movement described the inclusion of the former Kano State governor in the bill as “baseless” and “politically motivated,” and called for his immediate removal from the proposed legislation.
“We state unequivocally that these allegations find no support in the verifiable public record of Senator Kwankwaso’s life and public service,” said the movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed.
The group addressed claims attributed to US Representative Riley Moore, one of the bill’s sponsors, who reportedly linked Kwankwaso to religious extremism due to the introduction of Sharia law during his tenure as governor. The movement argued that the adoption of Sharia-based legal systems in northern Nigeria followed constitutional provisions and was not unique to Kano State or driven by any single individual.
“The constitutional development of Sharia-based legal systems was neither exclusive to Kano State nor the initiative of one person,” the statement said. “Singling out Senator Kwankwaso, while similar arrangements exist in several states, raises serious concerns about the evidentiary basis of this recommendation.”
The movement stressed that Kwankwaso, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term governor, Minister of Defence and senator, has never been indicted, prosecuted or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism or human rights abuses.
It further noted that Sharia-based legal frameworks in parts of northern Nigeria operate within constitutional limits and remain subject to judicial oversight and appellate review.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with the United States and other countries with diverse legal systems, arguing that international engagement should respect constitutional sovereignty and local context.
“The United States maintains strong relationships with several sovereign nations whose legal systems incorporate Islamic jurisprudence,” the statement said. “It would therefore be inconsistent to single out Nigeria’s constitutionally recognised legal pluralism without clear, individualised evidence of wrongdoing.”
Defending Kwankwaso’s record, the movement said he took firm steps as governor to tackle extremism and safeguard lives and property across religious lines. It also cited his 2023 presidential ticket with Bishop Isaac Idahosa as proof of his commitment to religious inclusion and national unity.
“It is deeply troubling that an opposition political leader with a long national profile would be isolated on such a serious matter without transparent and verifiable findings,” Mohammed said.
The movement urged the US Congress to reject the proposal and remove Kwankwaso’s name from the bill, alleging that the move may have been influenced by individuals pursuing personal or political vendettas.
“Claims of this magnitude must rest on proven facts, not broad assumptions,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its support, the Kwankwasiyya Movement described Kwankwaso as “a nationalist, democrat and statesman whose public service reflects justice, unity and inclusive governance,” expressing confidence that fairness and due process would prevail.
The bill was sponsored by Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart and Bill Huizenga. Information published on the US Congress website alleges that Kwankwaso contributed to systemic religious persecution of Christians in Nigeria.