The Kwankwasiyya Movement has dismissed reports alleging that its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was named in a proposed United States congressional bill over claims of serious religious freedom violations.
The bill, reportedly titled ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457),’ was said to have linked Kwankwaso to the allegations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, described the claims as false, misleading and unsupported by facts.
He said Kwankwaso has held several public offices over more than three decades, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, Senator and presidential candidate, without ever being indicted, prosecuted or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism or human rights abuses.
The movement noted that the adoption of Sharia-based legal systems in some northern states was carried out within Nigeria’s constitutional framework and was not exclusive to Kano State, adding that similar legal arrangements exist in other states under constitutional and judicial oversight.
It argued that singling out Kwankwaso raises questions about the consistency and evidentiary basis of the alleged recommendation, stressing that international relations should be guided by respect for constitutional sovereignty.
Defending Kwankwaso’s record on security and interfaith relations, the group said he consistently opposed violence and extremism, maintained engagement with Christian leaders and minority communities, and promoted peaceful coexistence, citing his 2023 presidential ticket with Bishop Isaac Idahosa as evidence of religious inclusion.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement called on the US Congress to remove Kwankwaso’s name from the proposed bill, warning that allegations of such magnitude must be based on clear and verifiable evidence rather than political motives or personal vendettas.
