Reps threaten sanctions against NILDS DG over alleged participation in Kwara APC primary

The House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation has issued a stern warning, threatening sanctions against Abubakar Sulaiman, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). The committee accuses Sulaiman of allegedly participating in the 2026 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Kwara State while still occupying his public office, a move that potentially violates political neutrality rules.

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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.

Adding to the committee's concerns, Mr. Sulaiman has reportedly disregarded the parliament by failing to honor three separate invitations to appear before the committee. The committee chairman, Yusuf Galambi, stated during an investigative hearing on Tuesday that Sulaiman was invited on June 18, July 24, and August 4 but did not attend any of these sessions. Galambi contrasted Sulaiman's absence with the consistent appearance of the petitioners, who have been present to substantiate their allegations.

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

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

Following Sulaiman's repeated non-compliance, the committee has resolved to proceed with its investigation and recommendations to the House. "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," Galambi stated. The committee chairman indicated that while they would allow Sulaiman to respond if he appears before the report is finalized, the allegations against him would stand based on his refusal to appear. The committee cited the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, Public Service Rules, and the Electoral Act as the legal framework governing such activities.

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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.