The Kwankwasiyya Movement has rejected efforts by five US lawmakers to place its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on a blacklist over alleged “severe religious freedom violations” in Nigeria
The move 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 State and Treasury Departments to impose visa bans and freeze assets of Kwankwaso and groups such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), accusing them of involvement in the systematic persecution of Christians.
Responding on Thursday, the movement described the allegations against the former Kano State Governor as “unfounded” and “politically motivated,” calling for his name to be removed from the proposed legislation.
“We state unequivocally that these allegations are consistent with nothing in the verifiable public record of Senator Kwankwaso’s life and service,” said spokesperson Habibu Sale Mohammed.
The statement specifically addressed claims by US Rep. Riley Moore, a bill sponsor, who linked Kwankwaso to religious extremism over the implementation of Sharia law during his governorship. The movement argued that Sharia-based legal systems in Northern Nigeria are constitutional and not unique to Kano State.
“The constitutional development of Sharia-based legal systems… was neither unique to Kano State nor the initiative of one individual,” the statement said. “To single out Senator Kwankwaso while similar constitutional arrangements exist in several states raises serious questions about the evidentiary standard behind such a recommendation.”
The movement highlighted Kwankwaso’s public service record, noting that he has never been indicted, prosecuted, or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism, or human rights violations.
It emphasized that Sharia-based legal systems in northern Nigerian states were implemented within constitutional frameworks and are subject to judicial oversight. Singling out Kwankwaso, while other states have similar systems, “raises serious questions about the basis, consistency, and evidentiary standard behind such a recommendation,” the statement added.
The group also pointed to Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with countries that maintain diverse legal systems, arguing that constitutional sovereignty and contextual understanding should guide international engagement.
“The United States maintains diplomatic and strategic relationships with several sovereign nations whose legal systems incorporate Islamic jurisprudence. It would therefore be inconsistent to treat Nigeria’s constitutionally grounded legal pluralism differently without clear and individualized evidence of wrongdoing,” the statement said.
Defending Kwankwaso’s record, the movement noted his “decisive measures” as governor to curb extremist threats and protect lives across religious divides. It also cited his 2023 presidential ticket with Bishop Isaac Idahosa as evidence of his commitment to religious inclusion and national balance.
“It is deeply concerning that an opposition political leader with a longstanding national profile would be isolated in a matter of such gravity without transparent and verifiable findings,” Mohammed said.
The movement urged the US Congress to reject the recommendation and remove Kwankwaso’s name from the bill, alleging that the move may be driven by individuals with personal or political motives.
“Allegations of this magnitude must be grounded in demonstrable facts, not generalized assumptions,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its support for Kwankwaso, the Kwankwasiyya Movement described him as “a nationalist, a democrat, and a statesman whose public service has been anchored on justice, unity, and inclusive governance,” expressing confidence that fairness and objective assessment would prevail.
The bill was introduced by US Representatives Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. It alleges that Kwankwaso is among those contributing to the “systemic persecution of Christians” in Nigeria.
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