The Kwankwasiyya Movement, a group affiliated to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has reacted to an allegation accusing its principal of severe religious freedom violations.
Recall that there was a report in which a proposed bill titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457), said to be before the United States Congress allegedly referenced Senator Kwankwaso of the said violation.
Reacting to the bill in a statement issued Wednesday night, the movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, described the claims as false.
“We state unequivocally that these allegations are unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with the verifiable public record of Senator Kwankwaso’s life and service,” he said.
He noted that Kwankwaso has held several public offices over three decades, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, Senator and presidential candidate.
“Throughout this period, he has never been indicted, prosecuted, or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism, or human rights violations,” the statement said. The movement argued that the constitutional development of Sharia-based legal systems in some northern states was not exclusive to Kano.
“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.“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,” it stated.
The group added that international relations require contextual understanding and respect for constitutional sovereignty.“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, individualised evidence of wrongdoing,” the statement read.It further defended Kwankwaso’s record on security and interfaith relations.
“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 added.
The movement expressed concern over the reported inclusion of his name in the bill.“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,” it said.The statement alleged political motives behind the development.
“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 generalised assumptions.”
The statement concluded by describing Kwankwaso 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 diligence would prevail.
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