By Taiwo Scholarstica
The House of Representatives has begun an investigation into the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, over allegations of engagement in partisan politics while holding public office.
The probe followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by a lawmaker from Katsina State, Salisu Yusuf, and 12 other members during Thursday’s plenary.
Presenting the motion, Yusuf alleged that Sulaiman took part in the All Progressives Congress governorship primary process in Kwara State without resigning from his position as head of NILDS, an institution established to provide research, policy support and capacity building for the National Assembly and other democratic institutions.
According to Yusuf, information already in the public domain indicates that the NILDS Director-General purchased nomination forms, underwent screening and contested in the primary election, where he reportedly secured 1,722 votes.
He argued that the development had raised concerns about compliance with public service rules and the political neutrality expected of officials occupying sensitive public offices.
The lawmaker also informed the House of a petition by the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, which accused Sulaiman of abuse of office and violating regulations governing public servants seeking elective positions.
Yusuf noted that the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and a presidential directive required public officials interested in elective offices to resign by March 31, 2026.
Following debate on the motion, lawmakers warned that failure to address the allegations could undermine discipline in the public service and weaken public trust in government institutions.
The House subsequently mandated its Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation to investigate the matter and report back within one week. The motion was adopted during a session presided over by Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.