The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, may face disciplinary action, including possible removal from office, as the Institute’s Governing Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 4, to consider allegations of involvement in partisan political activities while serving as the head of a federal institution.
The controversy stems from Professor Sulaiman’s participation in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary process in Kwara State while still occupying his position as Director-General of NILDS. Critics argue that his actions may be inconsistent with constitutional provisions and a Federal Government directive regulating political participation by public office holders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The matter has also attracted legislative attention through a motion of urgent public importance before the National Assembly, which seeks to reinforce political neutrality within public institutions and ensure compliance with constitutional and administrative requirements governing the political ambitions of public officials.
According to the motion, Sections 66(1)(f), 107(1)(f), 137(1)(g) and 182(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) require specified categories of public officers seeking elective positions to resign, withdraw or retire from service within the stipulated period before actively participating in the electoral process.
The lawmakers further noted that NILDS, established by an Act of the National Assembly in 2011, serves as the principal research, training and capacity-building institution of the legislature on issues relating to democratic governance, legislative practice and constitutional development.
They cited Section 2(2) of the NILDS Act, which provides that the Institute shall operate as an independent institution responsible for research, training, capacity building and information dissemination on democratic governance and legislative processes. They also referenced Section 3(4) of the Act, which prohibits the Institute from endorsing political candidates or parties through its programmes or policies.
The motion additionally referred to a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on March 13, 2026, directing political appointees intending to contest elective positions to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026. The directive reportedly applies to Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of federal government agencies, commissions, parastatals and government-owned enterprises seeking to participate in party primaries or nomination processes.
Supporters of the motion argue that political party primaries constitute an integral part of the electoral process, citing several Supreme Court judgments, including Amaechi v. INEC, PDP v. Sylva, Lado v. CPC and APC v. Marafa.
They allege that Professor Sulaiman publicly declared his governorship ambition, obtained and submitted nomination forms, participated in party screening exercises, contested as a recognised aspirant and secured votes during the APC governorship primary while remaining in office as Director-General of NILDS.
According to the lawmakers, such actions could undermine public confidence in the neutrality, independence and credibility of institutions established to promote democratic governance and legislative development.
“NILDS was established as an independent institution dedicated to research, training and capacity building on democratic governance and legislative practice. Any perception of partisan alignment by its leadership risks eroding the credibility and neutrality of the Institute,” the motion stated.
The issue has been further escalated by a petition submitted to the NILDS Governing Council by the Advocacy for Legislative Development and Reform Agenda Project (ALDRAP), calling for the appointment of an Acting Director-General or Sole Administrator to ensure continuity in the administration of the Institute should a leadership transition occur.
The petition also requested an independent forensic audit of NILDS covering the period from 2019 to 2026. The proposed review would reportedly examine compliance with financial regulations, procurement procedures, tax remittances, public service rules and adherence to the Federal Character Principle.
According to the petitioners, the audit should be viewed as a routine accountability measure associated with institutional transition rather than a punitive action.
The Governing Council, chaired by the President of the Senate, with the Speaker of the House of Representatives serving as Alternate Chairman, is expected to deliberate on the allegations amid growing calls from civil society groups and governance advocates for strict enforcement of public service neutrality and accountability standards ahead of the 2027 elections.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Professor Sulaiman nor NILDS had issued an official response to the allegations or the reported plans by the Governing Council. However, sources familiar with the matter alleged that the Director-General has been engaging key stakeholders in efforts to halt the process that could lead to his removal
