Former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has alleged that internal political opponents were responsible for linking his name to a proposed United States sanctions bill over alleged religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

The development follows the introduction of the “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026” in the United States Congress, which reportedly seeks to impose sanctions on individuals accused of contributing to religious persecution, including Kwankwaso and some groups such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.

If passed, the bill could lead to visa restrictions and asset freezes against those named.

“My Name Was Submitted by Enemies Within Nigeria”

Speaking during an interview on Arise News’s Prime Time programme on Monday, Kwankwaso said he was surprised by the allegations linking him to religious intolerance, insisting that the move was politically motivated by adversaries within the country.

“My name was submitted by our enemies here in this country to the US Congress,” he said.

Kwankwaso questioned the rationale behind the accusations, particularly suggestions that he played a negative role in the implementation of Sharia law in Kano State.

Comments on Sharia Law Controversy

The former Kano State governor referenced the introduction of Sharia law in parts of northern Nigeria in the early 2000s, noting that the process followed legal and legislative procedures.

He explained that when Sharia was introduced in Zamfara State, he initially sought to understand its framework more deeply before taking a position on its implementation in Kano.

According to him, although some critics accused him at the time of not being enthusiastic enough, the legislative process eventually followed due procedure and was signed into law.

“We studied it, and we realized that it was very important. And we have not seen anything there that actually should stop us,” he said.

Kwankwaso added that even if he had declined to sign the bill at the time, it would still have become law through legislative processes.

‘Irony’ of Current Allegations

Kwankwaso described the current allegations being linked to him in 2026 as ironic, saying he is now being blamed for developments related to Sharia implementation in Kano decades after the fact.

“Now, fast forwarded to 2026, somebody is blaming me for Sharia in Kano,” he said.

The former governor maintained that the accusations being circulated internationally were politically driven and not reflective of his actions or intentions while in office.

The proposed US legislation continues to generate debate, particularly among Nigerian political figures named in the draft bill and their supporters.