House shelves probe of NILDS DG over governorship primary — no evidence yet

The House of Representatives has hit pause on its investigation into the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Suleiman Abubakar. The reason? The people making the allegations simply didn't bring any evidence.

The House Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation met on Thursday in Abuja to hear a petition claiming Abubakar took part in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Kwara State while still holding his government post. But when the petitioners were asked to show proof — party records, nomination forms, expression-of-interest forms — they had none.

Committee chairman Yusuf Galambi was blunt. "The committee is unable to proceed in the absence of credible and verifiable evidence to substantiate the allegations before us," he said. He directed the petitioners to return with documents to back up their claims before the matter can move forward.

The probe was triggered by a House resolution based on a motion by Salisu Yusuf (APC, Katsina) and 12 other lawmakers. They argued that publicly available records showed Abubakar purchased nomination forms, went through screening, and contested the APC governorship primary in Kwara. That, they said, violated public service rules, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and a presidential directive requiring political appointees seeking elective office to resign by 31 March.

But during Thursday's hearing, the petitioners admitted their allegations were built on reports and materials circulating on social media. Williams Amuga of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), who spoke for the petitioners, confirmed this.

Committee member Chinedu Obika (NDC, FCT) asked whether the petitioners had video recordings or any direct evidence of Abubakar's participation in the primary. They didn't.

Another committee member, Harrison Anozie (APC, Imo), criticised Abubakar for skipping the hearing despite receiving a proper invitation. "He ought to be here to state his own side of the story. A proper notice was served on him, and ample time was given for him to appear before this committee," Anozie said. Still, he insisted the investigation shouldn't stall because of the DG's absence.

Galambi said the committee would decide on further invitations after reviewing any additional evidence the petitioners submit. He added that the investigation would continue regardless of whether Abubakar shows up, since an official invitation has already been sent to him.

The committee adjourned the hearing and told the petitioners to come back with real proof before the matter can proceed.