Kwankwasiyya Backs Nationwide Protests Over Electoral Act Amendments, Rejects U.S. Bill Naming Kwankwaso

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The Kwankwasiyya Movement has publicly declared its support for ongoing nationwide protests against the Nigerian Senate’s proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, describing the changes as a setback to democratic progress and warning of potential consequences for electoral transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by spokesperson Habibu Sale Mohammed, PhD, the movement criticized the Senate’s position on electronic transmission of election results. According to the statement, retaining discretionary language rather than mandating real-time transmission of polling unit results to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV) weakens public confidence in the electoral system.

“The decision represents a serious setback to Nigeria’s democratic advancement and undermines the collective demand for transparent and technology-driven elections,” Mohammed stated, urging lawmakers to reconsider and align with calls for clearer statutory requirements.

The group expressed solidarity with civil society organizations that have advocated for mandatory electronic transmission, including the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), the Kukah Centre, and the International Press Centre (IPC). It emphasized that the issue transcends partisan lines and should be viewed as a national democratic concern.

The statement also commended the broad coalition of demonstrators participating in the protests, including youth-led groups, professional bodies, opposition parties, and various civic platforms. It called on protesters to remain peaceful while pressing for reforms it described as necessary safeguards for credible elections.

In a separate development, the Kwankwasiyya Movement addressed reports concerning a proposed United States congressional bill — the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457) — which allegedly references former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The movement rejected the reported inclusion of Kwankwaso’s name in connection with alleged religious freedom concerns, describing it as unfounded and inconsistent with his public record. Mohammed stated that Kwankwaso, who has served in multiple public offices including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, Senator, and 2023 presidential candidate, has not been formally indicted or convicted of religious persecution or related offenses.

The statement further argued that the adoption of Sharia-based legal systems in some northern states is rooted in constitutional provisions and collective state-level decisions, rather than the actions of any single individual. It also cited Kwankwaso’s political alliances and public engagements across religious communities as evidence of inclusivity.

Calling for what it described as a fair and evidence-based review process, the movement urged U.S. lawmakers to examine the matter carefully.

The twin statements underscore the Kwankwasiyya Movement’s growing involvement in debates over electoral reform and international scrutiny of Nigerian political actors. With protests continuing and legislative discussions ongoing, attention is likely to remain focused on how both domestic and international institutions respond in the coming weeks.