Reps to look into NILDS DG over alleged involvement in APC primary

The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into claims that the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abubakar Sulaiman, took part in political activities while serving in a role that should be neutral.

This decision came after a motion was raised during Thursday’s plenary by Salisu Yusuf, a lawmaker from Katsina State, along with 12 other members.

In the motion, the lawmakers shared their worries about reports that Mr Sulaiman was part of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Kwara State while still leading the National Assembly’s legislative think tank.

Mr Yusuf explained to the lawmakers that records show the NILDS DG bought nomination forms, went through the party’s screening process, and participated in the APC governorship primary election.

He stated, “Evidence already in the public domain showed that the NILDS boss purchased nomination forms, underwent screening and contested in the primary election, where he reportedly secured 1,722 votes.”

The lawmaker pointed out that this situation raises questions about following public service rules and the expected neutrality of officials in important government positions.

He reminded everyone that NILDS was set up as a non-partisan body to provide research, policy support, legislative drafting help, and capacity-building programs for the National Assembly and other democratic bodies.

Mr Yusuf also told the House that the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners submitted a petition accusing the NILDS DG of misusing his office and not following laws that regulate public officials' conduct.

The petition claims that Mr Sulaiman stayed in his role while actively seeking an elective position.

The lawmaker added that “if proven, would amount to a violation of provisions regulating the conduct of public servants seeking elective political office.”

He referred to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and a presidential directive that requires political appointees and public officials planning to contest elections to resign their positions by 31 March.

The aim of the presidential directive was to ensure adherence to public service rules and stop public officials from using their positions and resources for political goals.

But a day before the APC governorship primary election in Kwara State, Mr Sulaiman announced he was stepping down from the race.

In a statement at that time, the NILDS DG said he made the decision for peace, unity, and the progress of Kwara State.

Despite his withdrawal from the race, supporters of the motion argued that worries still exist regarding his involvement in politics while heading a public institution that should remain neutral.

According to the sponsors of the motion, not addressing this issue could harm discipline within the public service and reduce public trust in institutions that are supposed to be above party interests.

They cautioned that allowing senior public officials to take part in party primaries while keeping their positions could set a bad example for agencies under the National Assembly and across the government.

After the motion was presented, the House instructed its Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation to look into the allegations and report back within one week.

The motion was then adopted by voice vote, led by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen.

This investigation comes as political activities ramp up ahead of the 2027 general elections, with many public officeholders across the country reportedly positioning themselves for elective roles.

As the Director-General of NILDS, Mr Sulaiman leads an institution aimed at improving legislative practice, democratic governance, and public policy development through research, training, and technical support for lawmakers.

Considering its role, NILDS is seen as one of Nigeria’s key non-partisan institutions that support democratic governance, which makes these allegations very serious for the National Assembly and the broader public service.