Year: 2026

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has rejected attempts by five US lawmakers to blacklist its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, 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 direct the US State and Treasury Departments to impose visa restrictions and freeze assets of Kwankwaso and organizations such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), accusing them of participating in the systemic persecution of Christians. Responding on Thursday, the movement described the allegations against the former Kano State Governor as “unfounded” and “politically motivated,” demanding his immediate removal 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 Representative Riley Moore, a sponsor of the bill, who linked Kwankwaso to religious extremism due to 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 arrangements exist in several states raises serious questions about the evidentiary standard behind such a recommendation.” Highlighting Kwankwaso’s public record, the movement said he has never been indicted, prosecuted, or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism, or human rights violations. It noted that the Sharia-based systems operate under constitutional oversight and appellate review. The group also cited Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with countries that maintain diverse legal frameworks, arguing that constitutional sovereignty and contextual understanding should guide international engagement. “The United States maintains strategic relationships with several 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 tenure as governor, the movement emphasized his “decisive measures” to curb extremist threats and protect lives across religious divides. It also referenced 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, warning that the proposal may be influenced by individuals with personal or political agendas. “Allegations of this magnitude must be grounded in demonstrable facts, not generalized assumptions,” the statement added. 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 due process would prevail. The bill, introduced by US Representatives Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga, alleges that Kwankwaso is among those contributing to the “systemic persecution of Christians” in Nigeria.