Sen. Lawan is serving as a fifth-term senator representing Yobe North Senatorial District under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 10th Assembly.
Before venturing into mainstream politics, Sen. Lawan worked as an Education Officer in the state Ministry of Education(1985-1986)
He served as the president of the Nigerian Senate in the 9th assembly (2019-2023). He had also served as a member representing Bade/Jakusko Federal Constituency (1999-2007)