Senate Denies Allegations of Bribery in NERC Chairman Nomination
The Senate has officially denied allegations that its leadership received a $10 million bribe to block the screening and confirmation of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). These claims have been dismissed as baseless and misleading by the Senate’s leadership, who have emphasized their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the legislative process.
There were reports circulating in some quarters suggesting that the leadership of the upper chamber had accepted the alleged bribe to prevent Ramat’s appointment. However, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, categorically rejected these claims. Speaking on Friday, he described the allegations as “baseless and mischievous,” highlighting the Senate’s dedication to upholding transparency and accountability.
It is important to note that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had requested the Senate to confirm Ramat as NERC’s chairman on October 7, 2025. This request was conveyed through a letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Despite this, the Senate has not taken any action on the nomination since then.
Senator Adaramodu explained that the Senate had decided to suspend Ramat’s screening and confirmation due to a “baggage of public and private complaints” raised against his nomination. He emphasized that the Senate is statutorily bound to pause consideration of any nominee facing serious public petitions or controversies. He added that many nominees in the past have been stepped down for similar reasons, and Ramat’s case is no exception.
The Senate Spokesman also stressed that the upper chamber would not succumb to blackmail or allow individuals to undermine its integrity through false allegations. “No one can drag the National Assembly into disrepute with unfounded claims in an attempt to arm-twist the legislature,” Adaramodu stated. He further mentioned that the Senate would engage Mr. Alwan in court to provide Nigerians with evidence to support his assertions.
Adaramodu added that the Senate had no prior dealings with Ramat before his nomination and only acted on concerns raised by the public regarding his suitability for the role. He reiterated that Nigerians deserve appointees who pass through rigorous and transparent screening processes, not those who attempt to bully their way into office through falsehood and blackmail.
Key Points from the Senate’s Statement
- The Senate has denied allegations of receiving a $10 million bribe to block the confirmation of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as NERC Chairman.
- Senator Yemi Adaramodu described the allegations as baseless and misleading.
- The Senate suspended Ramat’s nomination due to public and private complaints raised against him.
- The Senate emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in the appointment process.
- The Senate will take legal action against individuals making false allegations.
- The Senate highlighted that it acts based on public concerns and not on prior dealings with nominees.