Osinbajo’s Ex-Aide Apologises To Senate Over $10 Million Bribe Allegation
A former Special Adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Alwan Hassan, on Tuesday publicly apologised to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin over claims that they collected a $10 million bribe to block President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Abdullahi Ramat.
Hassan’s apology comes a week after the Senate threatened legal action over the allegation, which sparked outrage and intensified distrust around federal appointments in the power sector — already under criticism for tariff increases and ongoing power outages.
At a press conference in Abuja, Hassan explained that his comments stemmed from his advocacy for Ramat’s confirmation.
He recalled that the nominee had been screened and “strongly recommended” by the Senate Committee on Power before his name was removed from the Order Paper.
The APC stalwart admitted giving interviews in which he repeated rumours claiming the Senate leadership had received a $10 million bribe — a claim he now says was based on misleading information and false assumptions.
He stated, “I also referenced a claim alleging that they received $10 million in bribes to stall Ramat’s confirmation. That allegation came from conversations I had while trying to understand the issues.
“I have since come to realise that the claim was not only untrue, but unfair and uncharitable to both the National Assembly and its leadership.”
Hassan announced that he has formally retracted the allegation and expressed willingness to tender a public apology to the Senate, Akpabio, and Barau.
He also urged lawmakers to reconsider Ramat’s stalled appointment.
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“I therefore retract that statement fully and unreservedly, and I apologise to the National Assembly and its leadership for those accusations,” he said.
Last week, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismissed Hassan as “one innocuous Alwan Hassan” acting as “a hand-tool” to the nominee.
Adaramodu insisted no bribe was offered or taken, saying Ramat’s confirmation was paused due to “public and private complaints” against him.
“Many nominees have stepped down due to such public outcry. The case of Mr Ramat is not an exception,” Adaramodu added, accusing Hassan of attempting to blackmail the Senate and warning that the matter would be pursued in court.
Hassan, however, said his actions were driven by passion and advocacy that went too far, thanking political allies and friends who supported him during his “recent engagement with the Nigerian Police Force.”
Ramat’s confirmation remains on hold as the Senate continues reviewing petitions and concerns surrounding his nomination.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
