Kano Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo urges US Congress to remove Rabiu Kwankwaso from proposed sanctions bill, citing unfounded allegations
Aminu Gwarzo, Deputy Governor of Kano State, has urged the United States Congress to remove the name of former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso from the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, which seeks sanctions over alleged religious persecution.
Also read: Kwankwasiyya Condemns US Bill Linking Kwankwaso to Religious Violations
The bill, sponsored by US Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, reportedly targets Fulani militias and cites Kwankwaso over alleged religious persecution.
In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Shuaibu, Gwarzo described the allegations against the former presidential candidate as “unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with the verifiable public record of his life and service.”
Kwankwaso, who has held senior positions including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, and Senator, has never been indicted or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism, or human rights violations, according to Gwarzo.
The deputy governor challenged those behind the allegations to identify the “real perpetrators” rather than defame a politician who has consistently promoted peace, inclusion, and the rule of law.
Gwarzo highlighted Kwankwaso’s engagement with Christian leaders and minority communities during his tenure and cited his 2023 presidential ticket alongside Catholic cleric Bishop Isaac Idahosa as evidence of his commitment to religious balance and national unity.
The statement urged US lawmakers to “reject this recommendation outright” and remove Kwankwaso’s name from the bill, warning that the inclusion may reflect personal scores or political rivalry rather than factual grounds.
Also read: US Targets Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in Nigeria Religious Freedom Act
“Kwankwaso remains a nationalist, a democrat and a statesman whose public service has been anchored on justice, unity and inclusive governance,” the statement concluded.
