A civil society group in Kano State has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin of obstructing President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda by allegedly blocking the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Speaking in Kano, the group’s convener, Alwan Hassan, condemned what he described as a growing pattern of political interference and blackmail by senior lawmakers who undermine qualified nominees for personal interests rather than national progress.
Hassan stated that Engr. Ramat, a highly qualified, 40-year-old technocrat with advanced engineering and management credentials represents the new generation of leaders needed to modernize Nigeria’s power sector.
He urged the Senate leadership to allow due process, warning that delaying Engr. Ramat’s confirmation betrays the President’s vision, harms Kano’s interests, and undermines national development.
Read the full text of the Press Conference below:
TEXT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE DELIVERED BY ALWAN HASSAN IN KANO STATE ON THE 7TH OF NOVEMBER 2025.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the press, fellow Nigerians, and particularly the good people of Kano State, we welcome you all to this crucial Press Conference.
We have convened this press conference today to address a matter of national significance, one that speaks not only to the future of our power sector, but to the integrity of our democratic institutions and the rights of qualified citizens, especially from Kano, to serve their nation without undue obstruction.
In recent months, a disturbing trend has emerged in our polity.
Some parliamentarians appear increasingly determined to act as obstacles to the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeking instead to impose their personal interests on critical national appointments. Rather than supporting the administration in its efforts to build strong institutions and deliver progress, they resort to pressure tactics, intimidation, and the blackmail of appointees and nominees of Mr. President. This conduct undermines governance, erodes public trust, and sabotages our national development.
The most glaring example today is the ongoing delay in the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Despite being nominated by the President and screened by the Senate Committee on Power, Engr. Ramat’s confirmation has been stalled reportedly due to the actions of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and his Deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin. Unfortunately these two men are APC members who in public claim to support the President, but in private work against his decisions.
It is deeply troubling that, according to credible accounts, this delay is not because Engr Ramat does not merit the job, or is it in the national interest, but rather it is rooted in Senator Barau’s political machinations and personal selfish interests. Unfortunately, this is not the first time such conduct has been attributed to the Senator working in cahoots with Senator Akpabio. Several individuals from Kano State have, in the past, allegedly been denied federal opportunities due to political interference and the desire to impose preferred candidates lacking the necessary competence or breadth of experience. Publicly circulating accounts include:
1. The alleged orchestration of the removal of Abdullahi T. Gwarzo as Minister of State for Housing and replacement with a less influential nominee;
2. Reported obstruction of federal opportunities for Dr. Nasiru Gawuna and Murtala Garo;
3. Alleged interference leading to the replacement of Maryam Shetti as MD of NWDC with a political ally;
4. Attempts to undermine Hon. Abba Bichi’s leadership in the House Appropriations Committee;
5. Reported moves to prevent NNPP members from joining the APC in Kano to preserve political control.
These patterns represent an unfortunate attempt by Senator Barau and his boss, Senator Akpabio to personalise the leadership of Kano State while limiting opportunities for Kano citizens based on political insecurity rather than merit or competence.
Let us now return to the matter at hand: Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat.
All of you here know that Engr. Ramat’s credentials are not in question. In fact, they are exceptional. At just 40, he represents a new generation of technocratic leadership. He is an electrical engineer with advanced degrees in telecommunications and strategic management, and trained at institutions including Gonzaga University, Microsoft, and Harvard.
He exemplifies what we will describe as the blend of technical expertise and modern leadership Nigeria urgently needs.
His professional record speaks for itself: from reducing energy costs through modernization initiatives in Kano, to digitising local governance systems, to managing complex power-administration responsibilities at state level. He combines vision with execution, and integrity with innovation.
When he was appointed, he stated that his agenda for the NERC will align with the Electricity Act 2023: that is prioritising transparency, efficiency, investor confidence, consumer protection, smart-grid adoption, technology integration, renewable energy, and modern regulatory enforcement.
These are the qualities Nigeria desperately needs in the power sector, especially after decades of stagnation, underinvestment, and unfulfilled promises. Those who desire progress should welcome such leadership; only those invested in the status quo would resist it.
The Senate Committee on Power, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, reviewed his qualifications and unanimously endorsed him as eminently fit for the role. Yet, despite this professional clearance, the report scheduled for adoption on October 22 was reportedly delayed due to pressure exerted from Senator Jibrin Barau. It is ironic that a non-APC senator has shown greater commitment to the President’s vision than APC Senators who claims to support the President. Senator Akpabio and Senator Barau are mocking the President by their actions.
Let us be clear: no individual, however politically positioned, should hold the nation hostage or subvert meritocracy for their personal ambition. The future of our power sector is too important, the needs of Nigerians too urgent, and the President’s reform momentum too critical to allow this form of internal sabotage to continue unchecked.
Today, we are calling for Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin to allow due process to prevail. They must refrain from interference, respect the President’s mandate, and stop working against both the party and the interest of Kano citizens.
If Senator Barau’s ambition is to lead Kano, let him pursue it through service and merit, not by obstructing the advancement of capable Kano sons and daughters out of political insecurity.
Nigeria must move forward. Merit must prevail. And Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat must be confirmed without further delay.
We stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We stand with progress. And we stand with every young, competent, patriotic Nigerian committed to national development.
Thank you.
Alwan Hassan
Convener, Grassroot Initiative Concept
