The Kwankwasiyya Movement has denied claims linking its leader and former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to alleged religious freedom violations referenced in a proposed bill before the United States Congress.

The group said it was concerned by reports that the proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457), mentioned Kwankwaso’s name in connection with accusations of severe violations of religious rights.

In a statement released on Wednesday night, the movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, described the allegations as inaccurate and misleading.

According to him, Kwankwaso’s decades-long political career has not been marked by any record of religious persecution or human rights abuses.

He noted that the former governor has served in several senior positions, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minister of Defence, two-term governor of Kano State, senator, and presidential candidate.

The statement argued that the adoption of Sharia-based legal systems in some northern states was not initiated by one individual or unique to Kano State, explaining that similar frameworks exist in other parts of the region within Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

The group further maintained that such legal systems operate under legislative and judicial oversight, adding that singling out Kwankwaso raises questions about the basis for the claims.

It also stressed the importance of respecting national sovereignty and context in international relations, pointing out that several countries maintain legal systems influenced by Islamic jurisprudence while still engaging diplomatically with the United States.

The movement highlighted Kwankwaso’s record in Kano, saying he took steps to address security challenges and encouraged cooperation among different religious communities. It also referenced his 2023 presidential ticket, which paired him with Bishop Isaac Idahosa, as a reflection of religious inclusion.

Calling for fairness, the group urged US lawmakers to reconsider any recommendation that mentions the former governor without what it described as clear and verifiable evidence.

The development follows earlier concerns raised by the New Nigeria Peoples Party, which also expressed surprise over the reported inclusion of Kwankwaso’s name in the proposed legislation.