The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, has called on the United States Congress to remove former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso from a proposed sanctions bill over alleged religious persecution.
The legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, sponsored by US Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, reportedly targets Fulani militias and cites Kwankwaso among individuals accused of religious intolerance.
In a statement released on Thursday by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Shuaibu, Gwarzo described the allegations against Kwankwaso as “unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with the verifiable public record of his life and service.” He emphasized that the former presidential candidate has never been indicted, prosecuted, or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism, or human rights violations.
Gwarzo challenged those behind the accusations to identify the “real perpetrators” rather than targeting a politician who, according to him, has consistently opposed violence, extremism, and terrorism. He highlighted Kwankwaso’s efforts to foster peaceful coexistence during his tenure, including constructive engagement with Christian leaders and minority communities.
The statement also referenced Kwankwaso’s 2023 presidential ticket alongside Catholic cleric Bishop Isaac Idahosa as evidence of his commitment to religious inclusion and national unity.
Gwarzo urged US lawmakers to reject the recommendation to sanction Kwankwaso, suggesting that personal vendettas or political rivalries may have influenced the former governor’s inclusion in the bill. He described Kwankwaso as a nationalist, democrat, and statesman whose public service has consistently promoted justice, unity, and inclusive governance.
The Deputy Governor’s appeal comes amid rising international scrutiny of religious freedom issues in Nigeria, underscoring calls for careful consideration of credible evidence before targeting public figures in foreign legislation.
