Reps probe NILDS boss over Kwara governorship bid claims

Nigeria's House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). The probe centers on allegations that Sulaiman actively engaged in partisan politics while in his current non-partisan role, raising concerns about adherence to public service regulations and expected political neutrality.

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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 investigation was prompted by a motion of urgent public importance introduced by a lawmaker from Katsina State, Salisu Yusuf, and supported by 12 others. The motion cited public domain evidence indicating Sulaiman purchased nomination forms, underwent screening, and contested in the All Progressives Congress governorship primary election for Kwara State. This occurred despite his position at NILDS, an institution established to support the National Assembly and other democratic bodies.

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According to the motion, Sulaiman did not resign from office before joining the political contest, despite provisions of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and a presidential directive requiring political appointees and public officials seeking elective positions to resign by March 31, 2026.

Lawmakers supporting the motion argued that Sulaiman's alleged actions constitute an abuse of office and a violation of public service conduct rules, particularly the requirement for political appointees and public officials seeking elective positions to resign by a specific date. They cautioned that allowing senior public officials to participate in party primaries while retaining their posts could set a "dangerous precedent," potentially weakening public service discipline and eroding trust in institutions meant to operate impartially.

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Lawmakers backing the motion warned that failure to address the issue could “weaken discipline within the public service and erode public confidence in institutions expected to operate above partisan interests.”