- Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has criticized U.S. Senator Ted Cruz for vowing to sanction those involved in implementing Sharia law in Nigeria.
- Cruz had condemned Sharia-based punishments as human rights violations, but Ahmad fired back, accusing him of interfering in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
- Ahmad emphasized that Sharia law is part of Nigeria’s legal system and that the country will defend its sovereignty against foreign interference.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has criticized U.S. Senator Ted Cruz following the lawmaker’s recent statement targeting individuals allegedly involved in implementing Sharia law in northern Nigeria.
Senator Cruz had earlier vowed that the United States would impose sanctions on those responsible for enforcing Sharia-based punishments, describing such acts as violations of human rights. His comments came in response to reports of harsh judicial rulings under Sharia law in parts of northern Nigeria.
Reacting via his official X handle on Friday, November 1, 2025, Ahmad condemned Cruz’s position, accusing him of overstepping by attempting to dictate Nigeria’s internal legal affairs.
“So a U.S. senator is now proudly declaring they will target those who helped implement Sharia law in Nigeria, as if practicing or supporting Sharia is a crime,” Ahmad wrote. “You are free to oppose Sharia in your own country, but you have no jurisdiction to dictate the laws of ours. We will defend our sovereignty and our right to determine our own legal affairs.”
Ahmad’s response has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many Nigerians divided over Cruz’s comments. While some supported the senator’s call for accountability over alleged human rights abuses, others agreed with Ahmad, insisting that Sharia law remains a constitutional and legitimate system in several Nigerian states.
