US Listing of Kwankwaso as Fundamentalist: A Political Ploy to Diminish His Relevance?

 

​The Nigerian political landscape was sent into a tailspin on February 12, 2026, following reports that a group of United States lawmakers had introduced a bill seeking to categorize the former Governor of Kano State and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as a "fundamentalist" or an individual of concern regarding religious freedom. The move, part of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, has sparked intense debate, with prominent human rights activist and former Senator Shehu Sani leading the charge against what many describe as a "politically motivated" designation.

​The US Allegations: H.R. 7457 and the Religious Freedom Act

​The controversy stems from a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by lawmakers Riley Moore and Chris Smith. The legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, proposes severe sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, against individuals and organizations accused of violating religious freedoms in Nigeria.

​The bill specifically names Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside groups like the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), accusing them of links to communal violence or policies that infringe upon the rights of religious minorities. For many observers, the inclusion of a mainstream political figure like Kwankwaso—a former Defense Minister and a massive populist leader—is a jarring escalation in U.S.-Nigeria diplomatic relations.

​Shehu Sani’s Defense: "A Design to Diminish Relevance"

​Reacting to the development, Senator Shehu Sani took to his platforms to staunchly defend the NNPP leader. Sani argued that the listing is not based on objective security findings but is a calculated attempt to "diminish the political relevance" of one of Nigeria’s most influential Northern leaders.

​According to Sani, the timing of the bill is suspicious, especially as Nigeria prepares for future electoral cycles. He contended that Kwankwaso's Kwankwasiyya movement is a socio-political ideology focused on education and empowerment, rather than religious fundamentalism. Sani warned that "labeling local political leaders based on slanted reports" only serves to destabilize the democratic process and alienate millions of followers who see Kwankwaso as a liberator.

​The Political Implications for Kwankwaso and the NNPP

​For Rabiu Kwankwaso, being named in a U.S. congressional bill carries significant weight. While it is currently a "proposed" act, the mere mention of his name in the same breath as "fundamentalism" could impact:

• ​International Diplomacy: His ability to engage with Western partners and attend international forums.
• ​Domestic Perception: His opponents may use the "fundamentalist" label as a campaign tool to erode his support in the Southern and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria.
• ​Party Stability: The NNPP, which has already faced internal power struggles in late 2025 and early 2026, now has to manage a major international PR crisis.

​The NNPP leadership has since released a statement expressing "shock" at the report, describing the allegations as baseless and a product of "misinformation by political detractors" who are intimidated by Kwankwaso's growing influence.

​Expert Analysis: Is the US Overstepping?

​Foreign policy experts have noted that while the U.S. has a right to monitor human rights violations globally under the Global Magnitsky Act, the inclusion of mainstream political figures requires a high threshold of evidence. Critics of the bill argue that it fails to account for the complex nature of insecurity in Nigeria—where banditry and communal clashes often have economic rather than purely religious roots.

​Furthermore, some analysts suggest that the bill might be a tool of "soft power" meant to pressure the Nigerian government into specific security or mining-related concessions, as the legislation also contains clauses aimed at counteracting foreign mining influences in the region.

​Conclusion: A Battle for Political Survival

​The listing of Rabiu Kwankwaso as a fundamentalist marks a new, high-stakes chapter in his long political career. Whether this bill passes into law or remains a legislative proposal, the damage to his international reputation has been initiated. However, if history is any indication, Kwankwaso’s "Red Cap" army of supporters is likely to double down, viewing this as an external attack on a homegrown hero. As Shehu Sani aptly put it, the attempt to diminish his relevance may actually end up galvanizing his base further.