Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Faruk Lawan, has distanced himself from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and its national leader, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, saying the party is “too small” for his political ambition.
Lawan, who was recently granted presidential pardon by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 9, 2025, revealed that despite his long association with Kwankwaso, the former governor never reached out to him during or after his imprisonment.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, the ex-lawmaker said he decided to pursue a broader political path beyond the NNPP, which he described as limited in national scope.
“Between me and Kwankwaso, there is still mutual respect and relationship, but politically, to be sincere, I’m no longer aligning with him and the NNPP,” he stated.
“Even before now, the party I belong to is a national party. I’m not a local politician, and I believe my political reach should be expansive. As it stands now, the NNPP feels too small for me.”
Reflecting on his time in prison, Lawan said it was a period of deep introspection that revealed who his true allies were.
“Whenever God places you in a trial, He shows you who your real friends are. During that time, I realized those who genuinely cared for me,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to some political figures who maintained contact and support throughout his incarceration, notably Dr. Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“There was not a week that passed without Dr. Ganduje calling me to ask how I was doing, including discussions about my legal situation,” Lawan recalled.
“Some National Assembly members and a committee sent by the House Speaker also visited me in prison.”
Describing his presidential pardon as a “new beginning,” Lawan said the gesture by President Tinubu restored his hope and dignity.
“When one faces trial and God presents a chance for pardon, one must rejoice. It was a day of joy for me, my family, and my supporters,” he said.
“We thanked God and appreciated President Tinubu for doing what was right and deserving of commendation.”
The former lawmaker concluded by noting that his faith and resilience sustained him during his imprisonment, adding that the experience had strengthened his resolve to continue serving the nation.
