A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kano State, Jaffar Bello, has said the United States’ lawmakers sanctions is a ploy to malign the Muslims.

Bello made this allegation on Friday while responding to questions in an interview on Trust TV.

He said that insecurity should not be associated with religion, but with individuals perpetrating them.

DAILY POST reports that United States lawmakers initiated a new bill aimed at increasing accountability for human rights abuses in Nigeria.

The Bill, Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, contains provision for potential sanctions against Fulani militias and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Reacting, however, Bello said, “There is an orchestrated plan to malign us.

“Let me give you an example. In Bauchi State we used to have a year in year out crisis in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area.

“One singular act by the then State Governor Isa Yuguda of removing the local government secretariat from a Christian dominated area to a Muslim dominated area. Up till today there hasn’t been a single life lost in that area.

“And why is it that most of the major religious faith based crises we have in Northern Nigeria is only in Christian dominated areas?

“Why don’t we have it in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto and Kebbi State? Are there no Christians in these areas?

“They are just trying to malign us as a people practicing a faith. If you don’t like the faith we practising, we are not practising it because of you. It’s a choice. We don’t condemn your own choice of faith, don’t bother about our own.”

Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to reconsider the scheduled dates for the 2027 general elections, citing concerns over their coincidence with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

DAILY POST earlier reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the timetable for the 2027 general elections.

According to the schedule, the Presidential and National Assembly elections are set to hold on February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Assembly elections will take place on March 6, 2027.

Reacting to the development Ahmad shared his message via his X handle, saying “This is a respectful observation following the announcement of February 20th and March 6th, 2027, as the dates for the next Presidential and National Assembly and Governorship and State Assembly elections respectively.”

“The proposed dates fall within the holy month of Ramadan, a period during which many Muslims devote significant time to fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.”

He added “If the intention is to encourage full and inclusive participation in the electoral process, scheduling such a critical national exercise during Ramadan may present challenges for a large segment of the population.”

“Many Muslims tend to reduce engagement in demanding worldly activities during this period in order to focus on religious obligations.”

Ahmad emphasized the importance of considering Nigeria’s diverse population, saying “Given the significant Muslim population in this country, it may be worthwhile to reconsider the timing to ensure broader participation and convenience for all citizens. I do hope this observation will be taken in the spirit of inclusiveness and national cohesion.”