US BILL TARGETING FULANI GROUPS DRAWS STRONG REACTION AS GAN ALLAH PRESIDENT ACCUSES LAWMAKERS OF BIAS

The National President of the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association, Ibrahim Abdullahi, has criticised reports that the United States Congress is considering legislation that could sanction certain Fulani organisations, describing the move as biased and based on incomplete information.Abdullahi made the remarks on February 16, 2026, during an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, reacting to reports surrounding a proposed bill before the United States House of Representatives.The Proposed US LegislationThe bill, titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, reportedly seeks to impose visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and organisations accused of serious violations of religious freedom.Among those reportedly referenced in the proposed measure are former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, as well as Fulani-associated organisations including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.The bill is said to target individuals and groups alleged to be connected with religious violence or serious violations of religious freedom.Abdullahi’s ResponseReacting to the development, Abdullahi expressed concern over what he described as a one-sided narrative influencing American lawmakers.He argued that the associations mentioned are legally registered with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission and operate as cultural organisations with clearly stated objectives approved by Nigerian authorities.“It is very sad and unfortunate to contemplate branding an association that is duly registered by the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he said, stressing that the organisations submitted their aims and objectives during registration and were formally recognised.Abdullahi suggested that some US lawmakers may have relied heavily on critics who portray Fulani groups negatively, rather than examining the broader context of Nigeria’s complex security and communal challenges.Sovereignty and National Unity ConcernsThe Gan Allah president further stated that Nigeria should be treated as a sovereign nation with its own legal and institutional frameworks.He urged the Federal Government to assert its authority and defend the reputation of citizens and registered associations if external measures are perceived as unjustified.According to him, every Nigerian — regardless of ethnicity, religion or region — deserves equal protection under the law, and policy decisions affecting Nigeria should reflect the country’s internal realities.Broader ImplicationsThe reported bill has generated discussion in political and civil society circles, particularly regarding how international actors engage with Nigeria’s internal security and religious freedom concerns.If passed, the legislation could have diplomatic implications, especially in areas relating to travel restrictions, asset controls and bilateral relations.As of now, the bill remains under consideration in the United States legislature.