Reps threaten action against NILDS DG over involvement in Kwara APC primary

The House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation has warned that it may recommend sanctions against Abubakar Sulaiman, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). They accuse him of participating in the 2026 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Kwara State while still in office.

The committee also said Mr Sulaiman ignored their requests. He did not attend three invitations to explain the allegations against him.

Yusuf Galambi, the committee chairman, made this known on Tuesday. He spoke during an investigative hearing about the need to keep public institutions neutral and follow the rules on public officials engaging in elections.

Mr Galambi mentioned that they invited the NILDS DG to appear before them on June 18, July 24, and August 4, but he did not show up for any of the hearings.

He pointed out that the petitioners were always present to support their claims against Mr Sulaiman. "We invited the DG of NILDS to appear before this honourable committee on the 18th of June; he refused to come. We gave him a second chance on the 24th of July; he did not honour the invitation, and today, 4th of August, he did not show up.

"Meanwhile, the petitioners are always here, waiting to prove the allegations against him," he said.

The chairman also said the committee had given Mr Sulaiman enough chances to respond to the allegations. They decided to move forward with the case after his failure to appear.

"Our committee believes that if allegations are levelled against someone and he is given an opportunity to defend himself, and he refuses, it means he has something to hide.

"So, in our resolution today, following his refusal to appear before the committee, the committee has resolved that the allegations against him stand. We are going to write our recommendations to the House, and the allegations stand," Mr Galambi added.

He explained that the committee could finish its investigation and send its report and recommendations to the House without waiting for Mr Sulaiman any longer.

"If he decides to come and defend himself before we write our report and recommendations, we will allow him," he said.

Mr Galambi highlighted the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, the Public Service Rules, and the Electoral Act as part of the rules that govern political activities by public officials.

He referred to the Fifth Schedule, Section 7(1) of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, which prevents public officers from putting themselves in situations where their personal interests clash with their public duties.

He also mentioned Rule 030422 of the Public Service Rules and Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026. These rules stop political appointees from being voting delegates or contestants at party events to nominate candidates for elections.

The chairman also noted Section 84(12), which sets requirements for public officers looking for elected positions to resign or take leave before campaigning.

According to him, these rules are meant to ensure public institutions stay neutral, avoid conflicts of interest, and stop public resources from being used for political activities.

The investigation started after a petition that the House looked at on June 4. This petition claimed that Mr Sulaiman took part in the APC governorship primary in Kwara State while still serving as NILDS DG.

Mr Galambi stated that the petition had claims about the use of government facilities, vehicles, and staff for political activities. It also pointed out the alleged failure of public officials to resign or take leave before engaging in political campaigns or seeking office.

The committee chairman said the investigation aimed to check how public officers seeking elected positions followed the rules.

He added that the committee was also asked to look at how ministries, departments, and agencies ensured political neutrality in public institutions.

They would recommend laws, administrative actions, and prosecutions if needed to prevent future violations and protect public institutions' integrity.

Mr Galambi emphasized that the National Assembly does not oppose public officers' political ambitions but insists they must work within the law.

"Let me state this clearly. The National Assembly does not begrudge any public officer their constitutional right to aspire. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, guarantees that right. But that right must be exercised within the law.

"You cannot serve two masters. You cannot be a regulator in the morning and a campaigner in the afternoon using state resources," he said.

This committee's stance comes after President Bola Tinubu directed political appointees aiming for elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign by March 31.

The directive, shared by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in March, applied to ministers, presidential advisers, assistants, and heads of federal agencies.

Affected officials must submit their resignation letters by March 31. The federal government stated this directive relates to Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the Independent National Electoral Commission's schedule for party primaries before the 2027 elections.

The aim is to ensure compliance with electoral laws, promote transparency, and create a fair environment for all aspirants.

The House also referenced this presidential directive when they began investigating Mr Sulaiman in June. Lawmakers claimed he participated in the APC governorship primary after the March 31 deadline without leaving his position.