By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation has resolved to proceed with its investigation into allegations against the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, after his repeated failure to honour invitations to appear before the panel.
The committee, chaired by Hon. Yusuf Shittu Galambi, warned that it would recommend appropriate sanctions against the NILDS boss, describing his absence from three successive investigative hearings as an affront to the authority of Parliament.
The investigation centres on allegations that Sulaiman participated in the 2026 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Kwara State without first resigning his appointment, contrary to constitutional and administrative provisions governing political participation by public office holders.
Speaking during the hearing on Tuesday, Galambi said the committee had given the NILDS Director-General ample opportunity to respond to the allegations but that he failed to appear despite invitations issued for June 18, July 24 and August 4.
According to him, while the petitioners have consistently appeared before the committee to substantiate their claims, the continued absence of the accused has left the panel with no option but to proceed with its assignment.
He said the committee had resolved that, pending the consideration of its report by the House, the allegations would remain uncontested unless Sulaiman appeared before the panel before the report is finalised.
Galambi maintained that the National Assembly supports the constitutional right of public officers to seek elective office but insisted that such ambitions must be pursued in accordance with the law.
He stressed that public officials cannot simultaneously hold public office and engage in partisan political activities where the law requires resignation or disengagement, adding that the integrity and neutrality of public institutions must be protected at all times.
The committee chairman said the investigation followed a petition adopted by the House on June 4, 2026, alleging that the NILDS Director-General used government facilities, personnel and official resources for partisan political activities while still in office.
He explained that the panel was also mandated to examine the measures put in place by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the Office of the Head of Service, to safeguard political neutrality within the public service and recommend legislative or administrative actions where necessary.
Galambi cited relevant provisions of the Constitution, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, the Public Service Rules and the Electoral Act, insisting that public office holders seeking elective positions must comply with all legal and administrative requirements.
He, however, said the committee remained open to hearing from Sulaiman should he decide to appear before its report and recommendations are transmitted to the House of Representatives.
The House had referred the petition against the NILDS Director-General to the committee after concerns were raised over his alleged participation in the APC governorship primaries in Kwara State while retaining his position as head of the legislative institute. The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the House upon concluding its investigation.
