Juliet Akoje In Abuja.
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate allegations surrounding the involvement of the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, in partisan political activities while occupying a public office position.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance during Thursday’s plenary, sponsored by Hon. Salisu Yusuf alongside 12 other lawmakers.
The motion stressed the need to safeguard the political neutrality of public institutions and ensure strict adherence to constitutional and legal provisions regulating the participation of public officers in electoral activities.
Leading the debate on the motion, Hon. Yusuf alleged that Professor Sulaiman, who heads the National Assembly’s research and policy institute, took part in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Kwara State while still serving as Director-General of NILDS.
According to the lawmaker, documents already available in the public domain indicate that the NILDS chief purchased nomination forms, successfully underwent the party’s screening process, and contested in the APC governorship primaries, where he reportedly secured 1,722 votes.
Yusuf further drew the attention of the House to a petition submitted by the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, which accused the Director-General of abuse of office and non-compliance with extant laws governing the conduct of public officials.
The lawmaker expressed concern that Professor Sulaiman allegedly failed to resign his appointment before entering the political contest, contrary to the provisions of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers as well as a presidential directive requiring all public officials seeking elective positions to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
He warned that neglecting the matter could create a dangerous precedent capable of eroding discipline and accountability within the public service, particularly among agencies operating under the National Assembly.
Following deliberations, the House mandated its Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and submit its findings within one week.