House Probes NILDS DG For Alleged Partisan Politics

The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into alleged partisan politics by the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, while in public office.

The decision followed a motion of urgent public Importance sponsored a by a member,
Salisu Yusuf and 12 others, citing the need to preserve the political neutrality of public institutions and ensure compliance with constitutional provisions guiding public officers’ participation in electoral processes.

In his lead debate, Yusuf noted that Sulaiman, while serving as head of the National Assembly’s research institute, allegedly participated in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Kwara State.

According to the motion, documentary evidence in the public domain indicated that the NILDS chief purchased nomination forms, took part in screening and contested in the primaries, where he reportedly got 1,722 votes.

The House also referenced a petition submitted by the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, accusing the director-general of abuse of office and failure to comply with relevant laws.

The Lawmaker expressed concern that Sulaiman did not resign from his position before participating in the political process, as required by the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and a presidential directive mandating resignation by March 31, 2026, for any public official seeking elective office.

They warned that failure to address the issue could set a “dangerous precedent” and undermine discipline within the public service, particularly in agencies under the National Assembly.

Adopting the motion, the House subsequently mandated its Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation to investigate the matter and report back within one week.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji