A pro-democracy group has disputed the Senate’s reasons for delaying the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The Grassroots Initiative Concept issued a statement in response to comments made by Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, who cited “several public and private complaints” against Ramat. The group claims that these assertions are “unfounded” and that the Senate Committee on Power had already recommended Ramat’s confirmation over two weeks ago.
The controversy surrounding Ramat’s appointment has sparked speculation about political interference and financial inducement. However, the group maintains that these allegations are “inaccurate and unfairly presented.” They argue that their initial concerns about the confirmation process were raised to highlight perceptions of interference, not to accuse the Senate or its leadership of wrongdoing.
According to the group, the Senate Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, thoroughly screened and cleared Ramat for confirmation. The only petition received during the screening process questioned Ramat’s years of experience, but it was found to be baseless and dismissed. The group claims that the committee’s report recommending Ramat’s confirmation was completed and submitted to the Senate leadership on October 22, 2025, but it has not been presented to the full Senate.
The group has raised questions about the fairness and consistency of the confirmation process, citing the prompt confirmation of another nominee, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, as Managing Director of the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC). They have called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin to provide clear answers about the delay, which they say contradicts established legislative procedure.
The group’s intervention is aimed at upholding institutional credibility and defending due process, rather than defending any individual. They emphasize that the Senate’s moral authority depends on transparency and fairness, and that any perception of manipulation in the Ramat case could damage the reputation of the 10th Senate and the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda. The group has expressed confidence that the Senate will resolve the issue with wisdom and statesmanship, and has urged the upper chamber to act promptly to reaffirm public trust.
The controversy surrounding Ramat’s appointment has sparked concerns about the transparency of the confirmation process and the potential for political interference. The issue has also highlighted the importance of maintaining transparency in appointments, which is essential to the success of President Bola Tinubu’s reform efforts and Nigeria’s international credibility.