Aminu Gwarzo, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, has urged the United States Congress to remove former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from a proposed sanctions bill titled 'The Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026'. This bill, which is sponsored by Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, aims to impose sanctions on individuals and groups accused of religious persecution, including some members of the Fulani militias and Kwankwaso. Gwarzo made this request public amid what he described as the Kano government's silence on the matter.

In his statement issued by his Press Secretary, Gwarzo labeled the allegations against Kwankwaso as "unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with the verifiable public record of his life and service." He argued that there has never been any credible evidence pointing to the former presidential candidate being involved in religious persecution or extremism. Gwarzo emphasized that Kwankwaso has not been indicted or prosecuted in relation to any human rights violations, thereby challenging the basis of his inclusion in the sanctions bill.

The proposed sanctions have sparked controversy in Nigeria, particularly as they implicate prominent political figures like Kwankwaso. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for the political landscape in Kano State, as well as international relations concerning Nigeria’s handling of religious freedom and human rights issues. The call to remove Kwankwaso from the list reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the interpretation of religious freedom in Nigeria and the scrutiny of its political leaders by foreign governments.