Kwankwasiyya movement reacts to US lawmakers’ proposed sanctions against Kwankwaso

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The Kwankwasiyya Movement, a political bloc of the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has reacted to a bill by the United States of America (USA) lawmakers, proposing sanctions against Senator Kwankwaso who they accused of religious bias.

Our Correspondent reports that the United States Congress proposed targeted sanctions against Kwankwaso and certain Fulani groups over alleged religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

The move comes through the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, introduced by Congressmen Riley Moore and Chris Smith.

The legislation recommends measures including asset freezes, visa bans, and other restrictions against Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and what the lawmakers describe as “Fulani ethnic nomad militias.”

But in a press statement by the Kwankwasiyya Movement titled: “SELECTIVE TARGETING OR MISINFORMATION? KWANKWASIYYA MOVEMENT DEMANDS FAIRNESS,” the Kwankwasiyya Movement maintained that the allegations are, “unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with the verifiable public record of Senator Kwankwaso’s life and service.”

In the press release signed by Habibu Sale Mohammed, its spokesperson, Kwankwasiyya Movement, recalled that for over 30 years, Senator Kwankwaso has served Nigeria at the highest levels as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, Senator of the Federal Republic, and Presidential Candidate.

Mohammed further stated that: “Throughout this period, he has never been indicted, prosecuted, or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism, or human rights violations.

“The constitutional development of Sharia-based legal systems in certain northern Nigerian states was neither unique to Kano State nor the initiative of one individual. Multiple states adopted similar legal frameworks within the ambit of Nigeria’s federal constitution, legislative processes, and judicial safeguards. These systems remain subject to constitutional oversight and appellate review.”

According to him, “to single out Senator Kwankwaso while similar constitutional arrangements exist across several states raises serious questions about the basis, consistency, and evidentiary standard behind such a recommendation.”

He insisted that, “international relations are traditionally guided by contextual understanding and respect for constitutional sovereignty.

“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.”

Mohammed, however, highlighted that, “Senator Kwankwaso’s records stand firmly against violence, extremism, and terrorism. During his tenure as Governor of Kano State, decisive measures were taken to curtail extremist threats and protect lives and property across religious divides. He maintained constructive engagement with Christian leaders and minority communities and consistently promoted peaceful coexistence.

“His 2023 presidential ticket, which paired him with Bishop Isaac Idahosa, reflected his enduring belief in religious inclusion and national balance.

“It is, therefore, deeply concerning that an opposition political leader with a longstanding national profile, who has consistently spoken on issues of governance and security, would be isolated in a matter of such gravity without transparent and verifiable findings.

“The Kwankwasiyya Movement respectfully calls on the US Congress to outrightly reject this recommendation and remove Dr Kwankwaso’s name from the proposed bill.

“We believe that the inclusion of Senator Kwankwaso’s name was influenced by certain individuals who are on a mission to settle personal scores with him or by political rivals, or both, and the Congress should not allow its respected chamber to be used for this. Allegations of this magnitude must be grounded in demonstrable facts, not generalized assumptions.

“Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains a nationalist, a democrat, and a statesman whose public service has been anchored on justice, unity, and inclusive governance.

“We are confident that fairness, due diligence, and objective assessment will ultimately prevail.”