Prison Experience Revealed My True Political Allies — Farouk Lawan
Former lawmaker Farouk Lawan, recently granted a presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu, has said his time in prison helped him discover his real political allies and deepen his faith in destiny.
Lawan, who represented Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, was among the 175 persons pardoned by President Tinubu on October 9, 2025, following the recommendation of the Council of State.
The former legislator, convicted in 2021 for accepting bribes in 2012 during the fuel subsidy probe, said the pardon was a divine opportunity to start afresh, especially in politics.
“When someone goes through a trial and Allah grants a chance for pardon, you must be thankful. My family and well-wishers across the world were all filled with joy when the news broke,” Lawan said in an interview with BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, describing the pardon as “a day of thanksgiving to Allah” and commending the president for doing what was right.
Reflecting on his prison experience, Lawan said he had long accepted his fate and remained at peace, knowing that no one could escape destiny.
“Before I even got to prison, my mind was at peace. I knew that wherever I was going, I would meet people, and if others could survive there, I too could live through it,” he said.
Since his release in 2024, Lawan said he has reassessed his political path, cutting ties with the Kwankwasiyya movement despite maintaining respect for its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
He revealed that during his time in prison and after his release, he realised who his genuine friends were, noting that some political associates never reached out to him.
“When Allah allows you to face trials, He also opens your eyes to see who your true allies are and who are not. When you’re in a place like prison, you have enough time to reflect deeply on your relationships,” he stated.
Lawan disclosed that despite his long association with the Kwankwasiyya group, “It’s been a year now, and not even a phone call from a prominent figure in the movement to say, ‘Thank you, Allah, you’re out,’ or offer a prayer for me.”
He added that although he was a PDP member before his imprisonment, he later directed his supporters to join the NNPP ahead of the 2023 elections.
The former lawmaker, however, noted that his focus now is on aligning with a political party that enjoys broader national acceptance, hinting that he has no reason not to join the APC.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
