The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, has called on the United States Congress to delete the name of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from a proposed legislation recommending sanctions over alleged religious persecution.
Gwarzo made the appeal in a statement released on Thursday by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Shuaibu, describing the claims against the former governor as baseless and at variance with his public record.
The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, is reportedly sponsored by US Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith.
The bill is said to recommend sanctions against certain Fulani militia groups and lists Kwankwaso among individuals allegedly linked to religious persecution.
However, the Kano deputy governor faulted the inclusion of the former presidential candidate, insisting that the allegations were “misleading and inconsistent with verifiable facts.”
He noted that Kwankwaso has served the country in various high-profile capacities spanning over three decades, including as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, and Senator.
According to the statement, during his time in office, the former governor maintained cordial relationships with Christian leaders and minority communities, while promoting peaceful coexistence across religious divides.
The statement also cited his 2023 presidential bid, in which he ran alongside Bishop Isaac Idahosa, a Catholic cleric, as further proof of his commitment to religious tolerance and national inclusiveness.
Gwarzo urged US lawmakers to dismiss what he described as an unjust recommendation and expunge Kwankwaso’s name from the proposed sanctions bill.
He further suggested that the former governor’s inclusion in the draft legislation could have been influenced by political opponents or individuals pursuing personal vendettas.
“Kwankwaso remains a nationalist, democrat and statesman whose years of public service have been defined by justice, unity and inclusive governance,” the statement added.