The Kwankwasiyya Movement has expressed strong concern over reports that a proposed bill before the United States Congress — the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457) — allegedly mentions its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in connection with claims of severe religious freedom violations.
In a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, the movement described the allegations as unfounded and misleading, insisting that they contradict Senator Kwankwaso’s public record.
According to the statement, Kwankwaso, who has served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, Senator, and Presidential Candidate, has never been indicted, prosecuted, or credibly accused of religious persecution or human rights abuses.
The movement argued that the adoption of Sharia-based legal systems in some northern states was carried out within the framework of Nigeria’s constitution and was not the initiative of any single individual. It noted that several states implemented similar legal structures under legislative and judicial safeguards.
“To single out Senator Kwankwaso while similar constitutional arrangements exist across multiple states raises serious questions about the consistency and evidentiary standards behind such a recommendation,” the statement said.
The group further maintained that international relations should be guided by contextual understanding and respect for constitutional sovereignty. It pointed out that the United States maintains diplomatic ties with countries whose legal systems incorporate Islamic jurisprudence.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement also highlighted Kwankwaso’s record in governance, stating that during his tenure as Governor of Kano State, measures were taken to address extremist threats and promote peaceful coexistence among religious groups. It referenced his 2023 presidential ticket with Bishop Isaac Idahosa as evidence of his commitment to religious inclusion.
Describing the development as concerning, the movement called on the US Congress to reject what it termed an unfair recommendation and remove Kwankwaso’s name from the proposed legislation.
The statement suggested that the alleged inclusion may have been influenced by political opponents or individuals seeking to settle personal scores, urging US lawmakers to ensure that allegations of such magnitude are based strictly on verifiable facts.
The movement expressed confidence that fairness and due diligence would prevail in the matter.
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