KADUNA – Former Vice President Namadi Sambo has dismissed recent claims by former Minister of Budget and National Planning, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, alleging political interference in Nigeria’s 2013 power sector privatisation.
In a statement released by his Personal Secretary, Yinka Ibrahim, and made available to journalists on Tuesday, Sambo described Usman’s allegations as “false, mischievous, and hypocritical,” asserting that they were aimed at discrediting the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Council on Privatisation, which he chaired at the time.
“My attention was drawn to a shocking statement attributed to Dr Usman, suggesting that political considerations influenced the selection of preferred bidders during the privatisation process,” Sambo said. “The statement is utterly ridiculous and a complete falsehood.”
Sambo stated that Dr Usman’s remarks — reportedly made during a recent public event in Abuja — accused political officials in the Jonathan administration of scrambling for stakes in privatised power companies. The former Vice President, however, countered the claims as baseless, maintaining that he was unaware of any compromise in the integrity of the process.
“As Chairman of the Privatisation Council, I carried out my duties strictly in accordance with established procedures and in the best interest of the country,” Sambo said. “This approach was widely acknowledged by both local and international observers.”
He pointed out that even the Minister of Power at the time had resigned due to a conflict of interest, a development he said underscored the council’s commitment to transparency. Sambo also highlighted that both the EFCC and ICPC were part of the privatisation process to ensure accountability.
Challenging Usman directly, Sambo urged the former minister to provide specific examples or name individuals and organisations he claimed were politically favoured. He questioned both the motive and timing of the allegations, particularly given Usman’s active involvement in the process, including chairing several privatisation-related committees.
In a sharp rebuke, Sambo advised President Bola Tinubu and Finance Minister Wale Edun to exercise caution in dealing with Usman, whom he described as inconsistent and disloyal.
The controversy has rekindled public debate over the transparency of the 2013 power sector reforms, a landmark initiative under the Jonathan administration aimed at improving electricity supply through private sector participation.
