President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to confirm two people for appointment as commissioners of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
But the letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, noticeably left out the previously nominated chairman, Engr. Abdulahi Ramat.
Tinubu said the two nominees — Aisha Mahmoud Kanti-Bello (reappointed) and Fouad Animashaun (new) — should be confirmed under the Electricity Act, 2023.
Tinubu explained that this new request replaces his earlier letter from August 6, 2025, which had included Ramat as chairman.
Ramat had earlier stormed NERC headquarters with supporters after his nomination was announced, following the retirement of former chairman Garba Usman.
Confusion grew when presidential aide Bayo Onanuga first said Ramat should take over immediately in acting capacity, then later reversed himself, saying he must wait for Senate confirmation.
Protests against delay of Ramat’s confirmation
Months passed with no confirmation, leading to protests at the National Assembly demanding Ramat’s approval.
Protest leaders argued the Senate had no reason to delay, since he had already been screened and recommended by the Senate Committee on Power.
They insisted the delay was damaging public trust and discouraging qualified Nigerians from serving.
A Kano-based group later accused Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin of secretly working to block Ramat’s confirmation, even alleging a $10 million bribe — a claim the Senate strongly denied.
Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said Ramat’s screening was paused because of “serious public complaints,” not politics or bribery.
The accuser, Alwan Hassan, eventually apologized, admitting the claims against Senate leaders were false and unfair.
Why Ramat’s confirmation was delayed
Sources said Ramat was actually recommended by Ibrahim Masar, Tinubu’s aide on political affairs — not former APC chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, as many assumed.
They added that Ramat worsened his own situation by trying to assume office without confirmation and by his political ties in Kano’s power struggle.
According to insiders, the rivalry between Barau and Ganduje over APC control in Kano played a role in blocking his confirmation.
Since former chairman Usman retired, NERC Vice Chairman Dr. Musiliu Oseni has been acting chairman, even though his own term expired on December 4.
Sources say the presidency is now preparing to send Oseni’s name to the Senate as the new chairman-designate.
