Kwankwasiyya Movement Demands Removal of Kwankwaso’s Name from Proposed US Bill
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has called on the United States Congress to remove the name of its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from a proposed legislation reportedly linking him to allegations of severe religious freedom violations.
In a press statement dated February 12, 2026, and signed by its spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, Ph.D, the movement expressed “grave concern” over reports that the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457) allegedly references Kwankwaso in connection with claims of religious freedom violations.
The group described the allegations as “unfounded and misleading,” arguing that they are inconsistent with Kwankwaso’s public record spanning over three decades of service.
It noted that the former Kano State governor has held several high-ranking positions, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minister of Defence, Senator, and Presidential Candidate, without ever being indicted or prosecuted for religious persecution or human rights violations.
Addressing the issue of Sharia-based legal systems in northern Nigeria, the movement stated that their constitutional development was not unique to Kano State nor the initiative of any single individual.
According to the statement, several northern states adopted similar legal frameworks within the provisions of Nigeria’s federal constitution, subject to legislative processes and judicial oversight.
The group questioned what it described as the “selective targeting” of Kwankwaso, noting that comparable constitutional arrangements exist in other states. It argued that singling him out raises concerns about the consistency and evidentiary standards behind the recommendation.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement further maintained that international relations should be guided by contextual understanding and respect for constitutional sovereignty. It added that the United States maintains diplomatic ties with countries whose legal systems incorporate Islamic jurisprudence, suggesting that Nigeria’s constitutional legal pluralism should not be treated differently without individualized evidence of wrongdoing.
The statement also highlighted Kwankwaso’s record on security and interfaith relations, asserting that during his tenure as governor, he took measures to combat extremism and protect lives and property across religious divides. It cited his 2023 presidential ticket with Bishop Isaac Idahosa as evidence of his commitment to religious inclusion and national unity.
While expressing concern that an opposition political leader was being “isolated” in a matter of such gravity, the movement urged the US Congress to reject the recommendation and remove Kwankwaso’s name from the proposed bill. It alleged that the inclusion of his name may have been influenced by individuals seeking to settle personal or political scores.
The group concluded by expressing confidence that fairness, due diligence, and objective assessment would prevail.
