By Peter.
Nigeria’s Senate has fired back at explosive bribery allegations, categorically denying claims that its leadership pocketed $10 million to derail the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The controversy, ignited by Alwan Hassan—a former Special Adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo—has ignited fierce political debates over transparency in President Bola Tinubu’s power sector reforms, with Ramat’s screening now indefinitely paused amid mounting scrutiny.
In a fiery statement from Abuja on Friday, Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs) branded the accusations “baseless” and “ludicrous,” accusing Hassan of a “blackmail attempt” orchestrated by Ramat’s allies. The Red Chamber insists the hold-up stems from legitimate “public and private complaints” about Ramat’s suitability—not any shadowy payoffs—echoing past instances where nominees were sidelined over similar outcries.
Timeline of the NERC Nomination Saga
Ramat, a seasoned engineer with deep ties to the power sector, was nominated by President Tinubu on October 7, 2025, to lead NERC and drive reforms under the Electricity Act 2023—focusing on renewables, grid stability, and consumer protections. But whispers of delays surfaced by early November, fueling speculation linked to internal APC dynamics, including the ousting of ex-Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje as party chair.
- Screening Stalls: The Senate Committee on Power, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, cleared initial hurdles, but full confirmation hit a wall due to petitions alleging conflicts of interest and past performance lapses.
- Hassan’s Bombshell: On Thursday, Hassan—tied to the defunct Nasir Yusuf Gawuna gubernatorial campaign—claimed Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Barau Jibrin took the bribe to favor rival interests, calling it a “stab at Tinubu’s merit-based agenda.”
- Senate’s Rebuttal: Adaramodu stressed lawmakers had “no prior encounter” with Ramat and acted solely on public input, vowing to “defend our integrity in court” by forcing Hassan to substantiate his “satanic verses.”
Legal Fireworks: Senate Leaders Sue for Defamation
The backlash escalated swiftly:
- Akpabio & Jibrin Strike Back: Both Senate bosses have filed suits against Hassan and the Gawuna/Garo Campaign Organisation, labeling the claims “malicious and politically motivated.” Jibrin’s camp, via the Tinubu-Barau Support Groups Coalition, decried the “agents of mischief,” noting he had lobbied for Ramat’s approval before petitions surfaced.
- Court Showdown Looms: Adaramodu warned: “No one can arm-twist the legislature with unfathomable allegations—we’ll compel proof in open court.”
Broader Backlash: Pro-Ramat Groups Demand Action
Supporters aren’t staying silent. The APC Niger Delta Youth Vanguard slammed the delay as “deeply troubling,” praising Ramat’s “exceptional merit” in regulatory reform and urging swift confirmation to avoid a “leadership vacuum” at NERC. Consumer advocates like PowerUp Nigeria’s Adetayo Adegbemle echoed concerns, warning prolonged uncertainty hampers the sector’s stability amid Nigeria’s chronic blackouts.
Meanwhile, the Kano-based Grassroot Initiative Concept amplified Hassan’s narrative, accusing Jibrin of “internal maneuvering” to block a “young technocrat.” On X, reactions swirled from latest posts, with users like @Musabestseller highlighting the defamation suits and calling it a “political chess game.”
What’s at Stake for Nigeria’s Power Future?
NERC’s chair oversees tariff setting, licensing, and enforcement—critical as Tinubu pushes privatization and renewables to end decades of outages costing the economy billions. Ramat’s stalled nod risks stalling these gains, especially with acting leadership in flux since August 2025.
| Key Players | Stance |
|---|---|
| Senate (Adaramodu) | Denies bribe; blames petitions; sues accusers |
| Alwan Hassan | Alleges $10M payoff; tied to opposition campaigns |
| Barau Jibrin | Sues for defamation; claims he supported Ramat |
| Pro-Ramat Groups | Demand urgent confirmation for sector stability |
| Critics | See political sabotage in delays |
As legal salvos fly, the Senate’s vow to prioritize “public concern” over pressure tests Nigeria’s checks-and-balances. Will court docs unearth the truth, or is this just pre-2027 election theater? One thing’s clear: Ramat’s fate—and NERC’s reboot—hangs in the balance. #NERCDrama #SenateVsBribeClaims
