Allah Has Revealed My True Friends!” — Ex-Lawmaker Farouk Lawan Breaks Silence After Presidential Pardon

Former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, has expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his inclusion among 175 individuals granted presidential pardon on Thursday, October 9, 2025, based on the recommendation of the Council of State.

Lawan, who represented the Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency of Kano State, was convicted in 2021 for soliciting and receiving bribes in 2012 and subsequently sentenced to seven years imprisonment by a Federal High Court on June 22, 2021.

In an interview with BBC Hausa on Tuesday, Lawan described his release as a divine blessing, noting that his time in prison taught him profound lessons about faith, destiny, and human nature.

“When someone faces trials and Allah grants them pardon, you must be grateful. My family and loved ones all over the world were overjoyed when the news broke. It was truly a day of thanksgiving to Allah, and I thank President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for doing what is right and commendable,” he said.

Reflecting on his incarceration, the former lawmaker said he had long submitted himself to the will of Allah, adding that peace of mind helped him endure the experience.

“Before I even entered prison, I was calm. I knew I would meet people there and that if others could survive, I too would live through it,” he stated.

Since his release in 2024, Lawan said he has redefined his political direction, severing ties with the Kwankwasiyya movement, a group he had been closely associated with for years.

He disclosed that although he was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before his imprisonment, he instructed his supporters to join the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) ahead of the 2023 elections, a move they complied with.

“When Allah allows you to go through trials, He also opens your eyes to see who your true allies are. During my time in prison, I had enough time to reflect deeply on relationships. Some people you expect support from will disappoint you,” he said.

Lawan further revealed that despite his long-standing association with the Kwankwasiyya movement, a key figure within the group failed to reach out to him after his release.

“It’s been a year since I regained my freedom, yet not even a phone call came from him — no message of relief or thanksgiving,” he lamented.

However, he clarified that while he is no longer politically aligned with the movement, he still holds Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in high regard.

Lawan concluded by stating that his current political focus is on aligning with a party that enjoys wider national acceptance and supports unity across the country.