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Torkwase Nyiekaa
The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, over allegations that he participated in partisan political activities while serving as head of the National Assembly’s premier legislative research and policy institution.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved during Thursday’s plenary by the member representing Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency of Katsina State, Hon. Salisu Yusuf, and 12 other lawmakers.
The lawmakers argued that the allegations raise fundamental questions about compliance with public service regulations and the political neutrality expected of public officials occupying sensitive positions in institutions established to serve democratic governance.
Leading the debate, Yusuf informed the House that Sulaiman allegedly took part in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary process in Kwara State while still serving as Director-General of NILDS.
According to the lawmaker, “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.”
Yusuf said the alleged development had generated significant public concern because of NILDS’ strategic role as a non-partisan institution responsible for research, policy support, legislative drafting assistance and capacity development for the National Assembly and other democratic institutions.
He further told lawmakers that a petition submitted by the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners accused the NILDS Director-General of abuse of office and failure to comply with laws and regulations governing the conduct of public officers.
According to him, the allegations, “if proven, would amount to a violation of provisions regulating the conduct of public servants seeking elective political office.”
The motion also drew attention to claims that Sulaiman did not resign from office before joining the governorship race despite provisions contained in the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and a presidential directive requiring political appointees and public officials seeking elective positions to vacate their offices by March 31, 2026.
Lawmakers supporting the motion warned that failure to address the issue could undermine discipline within the public service and weaken confidence in institutions expected to function above partisan interests.
They argued that allowing senior public officials to openly participate in party primaries while retaining their official positions would set a “dangerous precedent” for agencies and institutions under the National Assembly and across the wider public sector.
Following deliberations, the House adopted the motion and mandated its Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation to investigate the allegations and report its findings within one week.
The resolution was adopted after a voice vote presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
The controversy has renewed attention on long-standing provisions within Nigeria’s public service framework aimed at preserving a clear separation between public administration and partisan political engagement.
Established to strengthen legislative practice and democratic governance, NILDS occupies a unique position within Nigeria’s democratic architecture. The institute provides research support, policy analysis, legislative drafting assistance and training programmes for lawmakers and other public institutions.
Because of its mandate, the institute is widely regarded as one of the country’s key non-partisan institutions supporting parliamentary development and democratic consolidation.
The probe also comes against the backdrop of increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, as politicians and public office holders across the country begin positioning themselves for elective contests.
In recent months, questions have surfaced over the extent to which public officials seeking elective office have complied with existing regulations and directives requiring them to resign before participating in partisan political processes.
The House investigation is therefore expected to test the enforcement of rules governing political participation by public office holders and could shape future debates on accountability, neutrality and ethical conduct within government institutions.
The outcome of the inquiry may also provide further clarity on the obligations of public officials seeking elective office while serving in agencies directly linked to the legislative arm of government.
