Senate denies $10m bribe allegation over NERC nominee, vows to sue Osinbajo’s ex-aide Alwan Hassan for falsehood and defend its integrity

Senate has denied $10m bribe allegation over NERC nominee, dismissing claims that its leadership collected a $10 million inducement to block the confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee, Abdullahi Ramat, as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

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The allegation, made by Alwan Hassan, a former Special Adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, had stirred outrage amid growing scrutiny of the power sector’s leadership appointments.

Ramat’s confirmation remains on hold pending further legislative and public review.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu described the bribery claim as baseless and mischievous.

He clarified that the decision to step down Ramat’s screening was based solely on “public and private complaints” about his nomination, not financial influence.

According to Adaramodu, the Red Chamber has previously halted confirmations when adverse petitions were filed against nominees, insisting that due process must prevail.

“Many nominees have stepped down due to such public outcry. The case of Mr Ramat is not an exception,” he said.

The Senate accused Hassan of attempting to blackmail the legislature and vowed to take legal action.

“The Senate will definitely engage Mr Alwan in court to provide Nigerians with proof of his assertions,” Adaramodu stated, warning that the National Assembly would defend its integrity against unfounded allegations.

He further explained that lawmakers had no prior connection with the nominee before his screening process began.

“We didn’t know and had no prior encounter with Ramat until his nomination came for screening. The Senate is bound to consider any issues raised against him by the people he was nominated to serve,” he added.

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Observers note that the controversy highlights the increasing tension between public accountability demands and the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative vetting process.