A former special adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Alwan Hassan, has publicly withdrawn his claim that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin took a $10 million bribe.
Hassan apologised to the senate leaders on Tuesday during a press briefing in Abuja.
He explained that his earlier accusations were based on rumours and conversations, not verified facts.
He said he deeply regrets making statements that painted the Senate leadership in a negative light.
Hassan admitted he referenced the bribe allegation while advocating for Abdullahi Ramat’s confirmation as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
He recalled that the Senate Committee on Power had previously “strongly recommended” Ramat, but his name later vanished from the Senate Order Paper.
He said, “I retract that statement fully and unreservedly, and I apologise to the National Assembly and its leadership for those accusations.”
Hassan described his earlier remarks as unfair and misleading. He also asked senators to reconsider Ramat’s stalled appointment.
In response, the Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, rejected the bribery claim from the start.
He called Hassan’s accusations baseless and reiterated that Ramat’s confirmation was put on hold because of complaints lodged against him.
The Senate had threatened to take Hassan to court to demand proof of his claims.
Hassan defended his conduct, saying his actions came from a place of passion and advocacy.
The former vice-presidential aide thanked his political allies and supporters for standing by him, especially during his recent interactions with the Nigerian Police Force.
However, Ramat’s nomination remains in limbo, as the Senate continues to weigh petitions and concerns about his suitability for the NERC role.