The Campaign Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Folashade Aliu, has criticised a proposed United States bill seeking sanctions against former Kano State Governor and NNPP national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Aliu described the move as malicious and unjust, arguing that it unfairly singles out one individual in a country with a population exceeding 260 million.
The proposed legislation also names the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore among those listed for possible sanctions.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television, on Friday, Aliu questioned the rationale behind targeting a single figure in a matter as sensitive as religion and terrorism.
“How can anybody in their right senses put up a bill that is as important as talking about religion and terrorism and single out one individual in this country?” she said.
Aliu maintained that there is no evidence linking Kwankwaso to extremist groups.
“There is no evidence that it’s aligned to this group. They have not seen anything,” she said, adding that any credible proof should be made public.
She further argued that even if a small percentage of Nigeria’s estimated 260 to 270 million citizens hold leadership roles, it would still amount to a significant number capable of addressing national issues. According to her, focusing legislative action on one person raises questions about the motive behind the proposal.
“If you cannot do anything but find an individual, that tells you how malicious this whole arrangement is,” she stated.
Details of the Proposed US Bill
The bill, introduced in the US House of Representatives, seeks to require the Secretary of State to submit a “comprehensive report on US efforts to address the ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.”
If enacted, the Departments of State and Treasury would be mandated to impose sanctions—including visa bans and asset freezes—on individuals or entities deemed responsible for severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
Among those listed in the proposed legislation are Rabiu Kwankwaso, MACBAN, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and groups described as Fulani-ethnic nomad militias.
The bill was sponsored by US lawmakers Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga.
Titled the ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026,’ the proposal also commended US President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
The sponsors argued that the United States should deploy “all available diplomatic, humanitarian, economic, and security tools” to pressure the Nigerian government to address impunity and protect targeted religious communities.
Kwankwasiyya Movement Rejects Allegations
The Kwankwasiyya Movement also condemned the bill, describing the inclusion of Kwankwaso’s name as unfounded and politically driven.
In a statement by spokesperson Habibu Sale Mohammed, the movement rejected claims linking Kwankwaso to religious extremism, including assertions related to the implementation of Sharia law during his tenure as Kano governor.
“We state unequivocally that these allegations are consistent with nothing in the verifiable public record of Senator Kwankwaso’s life and service,” the statement said.
The group argued that Sharia-based legal systems in Northern Nigeria were constitutional developments adopted by multiple states and were not unique to Kano or initiated by a single individual.
“To single out Senator Kwankwaso while similar constitutional arrangements exist in several states raises serious questions about the evidentiary standard behind such a recommendation,” it added.
What you should know
A proposed US bill titled the ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026’ seeks sanctions against certain individuals and groups over alleged religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
Those named include former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and two Miyetti Allah organisations. The NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement have rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and lacking evidence.
The bill, introduced by five US lawmakers, would mandate visa bans and asset freezes if passed into law. The development has sparked debate over international accountability measures and Nigeria’s domestic political landscape.
