The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has expressed astonishment over a proposed bill in the United States Congress that seeks sanctions against former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, describing the development as unexpected and inappropriate.
Ndume shared his reaction during an appearance on Politics Today, a flagship current affairs programme on Channels Television.
Speaking on Friday’s edition of the show, the lawmaker questioned why Kwankwaso was specifically named in the proposed legislation.
“I am surprised that Kwankwaso’s name was mentioned, and I want to know why and how he got mentioned,” he said.
“For them to mention just Kwankwaso, a former governor, something must be fishy somewhere. Perhaps there is intelligence and information available to others that some of us aren’t aware of.
“I don’t want to go too deeply into that, but in my view, the asset freezes and sanctions proposed by the UK, America, and other developed countries are misplaced,” the lawmaker added.
Details of the Proposed US Legislation
On Tuesday, five American lawmakers introduced a bill before Congress seeking to impose sanctions on Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore over alleged breaches of religious freedom.
The proposed measure, titled “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026,” is being sponsored by Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga.
Part of the bill, as sighted by Channels Television, states:
“The Department of State and the Department of the Treasury should impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, on individuals or entities responsible for severe religious freedom violations, or report to Congress the reasons such sanctions have not been imposed, including Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria; Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor; Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN); and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore,” the document read.
CPC Designation and Ndume’s Position
The development comes months after US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over the “killing” of Christians—a classification the sponsoring lawmakers argued was warranted.
However, Ndume urged foreign governments to shift their focus away from broad national designations and instead identify specific individuals responsible for wrongdoing.
“If they want to help us, they should focus their attention on ‘People of Particular Concern’ rather than labeling the entire nation a ‘Country of Particular Concern,” he said during the programme.
“The majority of Nigerians are innocent people. But there are a few people who are holding Nigeria’s assets outside, and they [foreign powers] know, and up to now, there is no exposure [of such people].”
Reactions From Kwankwaso’s Camp and NNPP
Meanwhile, the Kwankwasiyya Movement, led by Kwankwaso, has dismissed the proposed bill. The group described the inclusion of the former minister’s name as “unfounded” and “politically motivated,” demanding that it be removed from the legislation without delay.
“We state unequivocally that these allegations are consistent with nothing in the verifiable public record of Senator Kwankwaso’s life and service,” spokesperson Habibu Mohammed said in a statement.
A senior figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the party under which Kwankwaso contested the 2023 presidential election, also faulted the proposal.
“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?” Folashade Aliu asked during Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations contained in the proposed legislation, Kwankwaso has not issued any official statement addressing the matter as of the time this report was filed.
What you should know
Ali Ndume has questioned a US congressional bill proposing sanctions against Rabiu Kwankwaso and two Miyetti Allah groups over alleged religious freedom violations.
Ndume described the move as surprising and misplaced, urging foreign governments to focus on specific individuals rather than branding Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. The bill, sponsored by five US lawmakers, recommends visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Act.
Kwankwaso’s political movement and NNPP allies have rejected the allegations as “unfounded” and “politically motivated,” while Kwankwaso himself has yet to respond publicly.
