The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, has appealed to the United States Congress to remove the name of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from a proposed sanctions bill over alleged religious persecution.
The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, reportedly sponsored by US lawmakers Riley Moore and Chris Smith, seeks sanctions against Fulani militias and lists Kwankwaso among individuals cited in connection with alleged religious persecution.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Shuaibu, Gwarzo described the allegations against the former presidential candidate as unfounded and misleading, insisting they contradict Kwankwaso’s public record.
The deputy governor noted that Kwankwaso had occupied several high-ranking political offices over more than three decades, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence and Senator.
He maintained that the former governor had never been indicted, prosecuted or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism or human rights violations throughout his years in public service.
Gwarzo challenged those behind the allegations to identify the actual perpetrators of religious violence rather than tarnish the image of a politician he said had consistently opposed extremism, terrorism and other forms of violence.
The statement added that Kwankwaso maintained constructive relationships with Christian leaders and minority groups during his tenure, promoting peaceful coexistence across religious divides.
It also cited his 2023 presidential ticket with Bishop Isaac Idahosa, a Christian cleric, as evidence of his commitment to inclusiveness and national unity.
He therefore urged US lawmakers to reject the recommendation and expunge Kwankwaso’s name from the proposed legislation, alleging that the inclusion may have been driven by political opponents seeking to settle personal scores.
Gwarzo described the former governor as a nationalist and statesman whose leadership, he said, has been rooted in justice, unity and inclusive governance.