The House of Representatives ordered an investigation into Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), on Thursday over allegations he participated in partisan political activities while still in office.
Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), allegedly participated in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Kwara State without resigning his position as NILDS DG, which is a key fact that makes this story newsworthy. He reportedly polled 1,722 votes in the primary.
According to reports, Salisu Yusuf (Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency, Katsina State) and 12 other lawmakers sponsored a motion of urgent public importance, which led to the investigation. Salisu presented the motion at plenary, alleging that Sulaiman took part in the APC governorship primary in Kwara State.
Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman is a professor of public administration and policy analysis at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State. He was appointed as the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in 2014 by President Goodluck Jonathan. That's when he started leading the institute.
A source close to the NILDS confirmed that Sulaiman indeed purchased nomination forms, underwent screening, and contested in the primary election. They said, however, that the action was not a breach of any rule as the professor was on leave at the time. However, the lawmaker disagrees with the source's explanation, saying the development raised concerns about compliance with public service rules and the political neutrality expected of heads of sensitive government institutions.
The lawmaker also said the House received a petition from the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, accusing the DG of abuse of office and violation of public service regulations. He added that the allegations, if proven, could amount to a breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and relevant rules guiding political participation by public officials.
Some lawmakers supporting the motion warned that failure to address the issue could weaken discipline in the public service and erode public confidence in government institutions. They also cautioned that allowing senior public officials to openly participate in party primaries while still in office could set a bad precedent.
A source close to the Speaker of the House hinted that several other senior officials have been warned against similar actions. However, the source refused to name the officials, but confirmed that the Speaker has directed the Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation to investigate the allegations and report back within a week.
The investigation comes amid rising political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with increasing scrutiny of public officials seeking elective positions while still in office.
Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman was not available for comment at the time of filing this report. The NILDS has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing by the Director-General.
Key Facts
• Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman allegedly participated in the APC governorship primary in Kwara State where he reportedly polled 1,722 votes. • The lawmaker sponsoring the motion, Salisu Yusuf, alleged that Sulaiman took part in the primary without resigning his position as NILDS DG. • The allegations, if proven, could amount to a breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and relevant rules guiding political participation by public officials. • The House received a petition from the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, accusing the DG of abuse of office and violation of public service regulations. • The Speaker of the House has directed the Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation to investigate the allegations and report back within a week.