Following the US Congress Designating former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as a leader of a Fulani ethnic militia on its terrorism list and Miyetti Allah cattle herder, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, has called on the United States Congress to remove former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso from a proposed sanctions bill over alleged religious persecution, describing the claims as unfounded and misleading.
The proposed legislation, titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, which is reportedly sponsored by Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, seeks to impose sanctions on certain individuals and groups, including Fulani militias. Kwankwaso’s name was included among those cited over alleged religious persecution.
In a statement, Gwarzo rejected the allegations, insisting that they are inconsistent with Kwankwaso’s public record.
“The allegations against Kwankwaso are unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with the verifiable public record of his life and service,” the deputy governor stated.
He highlighted Kwankwaso’s extensive political career spanning more than three decades, during which he served as Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, Senator, and presidential candidate.
According to Gwarzo, at no point in his career has Kwankwaso been indicted, prosecuted, or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism, or human rights violations.
The deputy governor challenged those behind the allegations to identify what he described as the “real perpetrators” of religious violence, rather than defaming a politician he characterised as a consistent opponent of extremism and terrorism.
The statement further emphasised that during his tenure in Kano State, Kwankwaso maintained constructive relationships with Christian leaders and minority communities, promoting peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony.
Gwarzo also referenced Kwankwaso’s 2023 presidential ticket, which featured Bishop Isaac Idahosa as his running mate, as evidence of his commitment to religious inclusion and national balance.
He urged U.S. lawmakers to reject the recommendation outright and remove Kwankwaso’s name from the proposed bill, suggesting that its inclusion may have been influenced by political opponents or individuals pursuing personal grievances.
Kwankwaso, the deputy governor added, “remains a nationalist, a democrat and a statesman whose public service has been anchored on justice, unity and inclusive governance.”
