Mounting pressure hit the National Assembly on Tuesday as protesters demanded the immediate confirmation of Abdullahi Ramat, President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) — a process stalled amid controversy and corruption claims.
Civil society groups, rights activists, and supporters of Ramat converged at the National Assembly in Abuja, chanting solidarity songs and waving placards reading “President Tinubu Did Not Send Nominees to Be Harassed” and “Ramat Represents Reform in the Power Sector.”
The protest comes weeks after the Senate suspended Ramat’s confirmation, despite his clearance by the Senate Committee on Power, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Ahmed Suleiman, spokesperson of the Grassroots Initiative Concept and leader of the protesters, accused unnamed political actors of working behind the scenes to block the appointment.
“It is surprising and deeply unsettling that Engr. Abdullahi Ramat’s confirmation was stepped down despite his strong academic and professional credentials,” Suleiman said.
“Certain vested interests are spreading false narratives and politically motivated petitions to derail a credible appointment,” he added, warning that the Senate’s delay “sets a dangerous precedent where Nigeria’s best hands are sacrificed to politics.”
Suleiman said the group had petitioned both President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling for swift action to “end the political games” surrounding the confirmation process.
The protest followed a separate controversy over a $10 million bribery allegation made by former presidential aide Alwan Hassan, who claimed senators were paid to block Ramat’s confirmation — a claim the Senate has firmly denied.
In response, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu described the allegation as “baseless and reckless,” saying Ramat’s confirmation was delayed due to “public and private complaints” about his suitability.
“Many nominees have been stepped down due to public outcry. The case of Mr. Ramat is not an exception,” Adaramodu stated.
“The Senate will not be pressured into confirming any nominee under a cloud of public concern.”
Ramat’s fate now hangs in the balance as his nomination remains suspended pending further legislative review
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