Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has suggested that President Bola Tinubu’s administration could be connected to moves advocating United States sanctions against former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
He made the claim on Friday during an appearance on Prime Time on Arise Television, amid discussions surrounding a proposed US congressional bill recommending visa bans and asset freezes on individuals accused of grave violations of religious freedom.
El-Rufai described Kwankwaso’s reported inclusion on the sanctions list as unwarranted, saying it was unfair to single him out. He added that he was seeking clarity on whether the “nine million dollars lobby money” allegedly circulating in political discussions had any influence, especially given Kwankwaso’s refusal to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, the federal government might be behind the development.
“They may be responsible because Kwankwaso has declined to defect to the APC, and there are speculations he could join the ADC. Frankly, I cannot think of any other actors involved,” he said.
El-Rufai also questioned why Kwankwaso was allegedly targeted when several northern states adopted Sharia law. He argued that if responsibility were to be assigned, Zamfara State should equally be considered.
He maintained that Kano’s implementation of Sharia was not as stringent as in some other states, insisting that Kwankwaso could not reasonably be labeled a fundamentalist.
The former governor further pointed out that past Zamfara governors, including Ahmed Yerima and Abdulaziz Yari—whom he said oversaw stricter Sharia enforcement—were not mentioned, noting that they are members of the APC.
The proposed bill, sponsored by Chris Smith and co-sponsored by Riley Moore, also lists the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Fulani ethnic nomad militias over alleged religious persecution in Nigeria.
