Farouk Lawan Seeks Return to House of Reps Despite Bribery Conviction

Former federal lawmaker and ex-chairman of a high-profile fuel subsidy probe, Farouk Lawan, is reportedly making a political comeback bid for the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite his past conviction on bribery charges.

Lawan, who previously represented the Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency in Kano State, is said to have secured backing from stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his constituency following an internal screening process.

He once chaired the House of Representatives ad hoc committee that investigated Nigeria’s multi-billion-naira fuel subsidy regime, a probe that later became one of the most controversial anti-corruption cases in the country.

Conviction and prison sentence

Lawan was accused of demanding a $3 million bribe from oil magnate Femi Otedola to remove Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited from a list of companies indicted for alleged subsidy fraud.

He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison, later reduced to five years by the Court of Appeal, a sentence that was upheld by the Supreme Court.

He completed his prison term in 2024 and later received presidential clemency and pardon in October 2025 from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Political comeback attempt

Following his pardon, Lawan has now emerged as a preferred aspirant in his constituency, with reports indicating that he has scaled the APC screening process for the 2027 race.

Party stakeholders in Bagwai and Shanono Local Government Areas are said to be backing his return bid, positioning him once again for a seat in the National Assembly.

His emergence has already sparked debate within political circles, given his past conviction and the sensitive nature of corruption-related cases in Nigeria’s political space.

Background

Lawan’s political career gained national attention during his tenure in the House of Representatives, particularly through his role in leading investigations into fuel subsidy fraud.

However, his subsequent trial, conviction, and imprisonment significantly altered his political trajectory until his release and pardon reopened the door for a possible return to elective office.

As preparations intensify for the 2027 elections, his renewed ambition is expected to further fuel discussions around political rehabilitation, accountability, and eligibility of previously convicted public officials in Nigeria’s democratic process.