Former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, is seeking a return to the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections, having regained his civil and political rights following a conviction on bribery charges. Lawan, who represented Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency in Kano State, was convicted in 2021 for accepting a $500,000 bribe from businessman Femi Otedola and served a five-year prison sentence. ¹ ² ³
Lawan’s bid for a comeback has received a boost, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) clearing him to contest the House of Representatives seat. He emerged as the preferred candidate of party stakeholders from Bagwai and Shanono Local Government Areas, citing his legislative experience as a key factor in their support. ⁴
The former lawmaker’s conviction stemmed from a 2012 scandal involving the fuel subsidy regime, where he was accused of demanding a $3 million bribe from Otedola to remove Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited from a list of indicted companies. Lawan’s prison sentence was initially seven years, but it was reduced to five years on appeal. ⁵
Lawan received a presidential pardon from President Bola Tinubu in October 2025, restoring his civil and political rights. In an interview, he expressed gratitude, saying the experience taught him valuable lessons about life and destiny. ⁶
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, as Lawan’s conviction bars him from contesting elections without a pardon. Rebuilding his public image will also be an uphill task, given the high-profile nature of the bribery scandal. ⁷
Lawan’s supporters argue that his legislative experience and popularity in his constituency make him a strong contender. However, others question whether he can regain public trust after a conviction for dishonesty.
As Lawan navigates his comeback, he faces scrutiny from the public and potential opponents. His ability to overcome these hurdles will determine whether he can successfully return to the National Assembly.
Lawan’s case highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics, where convicted individuals can seek redemption and return to public life. Would you like to know more about Lawan’s political career or the implications of his conviction on his future plans?
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