Leadership Calls for Unity Amid Political Controversy
The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has called for calm and unity among party members amid a growing controversy surrounding the confirmation of Engineer Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The chairman of the APC in Kano, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, has urged party members to avoid making divisive statements that could further polarize the organization.
The situation has sparked tension within the state chapter of the ruling party. Allegations have surfaced that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, collected a $10 million bribe to block Ramat’s confirmation. Loyalists of Senator Jibrin have reportedly threatened legal action against members of the defunct Gawuna Campaign Organisation, which is accused of spreading these allegations.
A Growing Dispute
The controversy escalated after former Acting Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Alwan Hassan, accused the Senate leadership of deliberately obstructing Ramat’s confirmation for political reasons. Hassan claimed that despite being screened and endorsed by the Senate Committee on Power, the nominee’s confirmation had been unjustly delayed—an action he described as inconsistent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda for the power sector.
During a press conference in Kano on Friday, Comrade Hafizu Sani Liman, Convener and Director-General of the Tinubu/Barau Support Groups Coalition, dismissed the bribery allegations as “baseless, mischievous, and a desperate attempt to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Senator Barau.”
Concerns Over Party Unity
Abbas expressed concern that the ongoing dispute could further divide the party in the state. He noted that the exchange of accusations between supporters of Senator Barau and those loyal to the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, and his running mate, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, was unhealthy for the unity and stability of the party.
“The issue at hand falls squarely within the constitutional responsibilities of the Presidency and the Nigerian Senate,” Abbas stated. “While it is the prerogative of the Presidency to make nominations for appointments, it is the duty of the Senate to screen and confirm such nominees in line with constitutional provisions.”
Emphasizing Cohesion
The party chairman emphasized that, despite internal political differences, the APC in Kano has remained a cohesive political family. He warned that no disagreement, particularly over a single appointment, should be allowed to undermine the unity that has sustained the party over the years.
Abbas therefore urged all members to respect due process and allow the relevant institutions to discharge their constitutional duties without interference. He expressed confidence that both the Presidency and the National Assembly would resolve the matter with fairness, transparency, and in the best interest of the party and the nation.
Key Players in the Debate
- Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas: Chairman of the APC in Kano State, advocating for unity and restraint.
- Engineer Abdullahi Garba Ramat: Nominee for Executive Chairman of NERC, at the center of the controversy.
- Senator Barau I. Jibrin: Deputy Senate President, accused of involvement in the alleged bribe.
- Comrade Hafizu Sani Liman: Convener of the Tinubu/Barau Support Groups Coalition, dismissing the allegations.
- Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna: APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, with loyalists involved in the dispute.
Impact on the Party
The controversy has highlighted the challenges faced by the APC in maintaining internal cohesion. As the party prepares for upcoming elections, the need for unity becomes even more critical. The leadership’s call for restraint and adherence to due process reflects the importance of maintaining a strong and unified front.
Conclusion
The situation underscores the delicate balance between political ambition and institutional integrity. While the debate over Ramat’s confirmation continues, the APC leadership’s emphasis on unity and due process serves as a reminder of the values that underpin the party’s strength. As the matter unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that the party’s future is built on stability, transparency, and collective effort.