Court Asked to Rule on NILDS DG’s Tenure Amid Alleged 2027 Kwara Governorship Ambition
The Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has filed a suit at the National Industrial Court, Abuja, challenging the continued stay in office of Prof. Abubakar Olarewaju Sulaiman as Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
ALDRAP contends that Prof. Sulaiman’s alleged political activities ahead of the 2027 Kwara State governorship election raise constitutional and statutory concerns. The suit, which names the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Prof. Sulaiman as defendants, seeks judicial clarification on whether a public officer in such a strategic national role can remain in office after indicating interest in elective politics.
The claimant argues that the matter touches on compliance with the Electoral Act, public service ethics, and institutional neutrality. Prof. Sulaiman, however, has filed a counter-affidavit denying any breach of law, insisting that his appointment is statutory under the NILDS Act, 2017, and not subject to resignation based on speculation of political ambition.
Legal analysts note that the case could set an important precedent on the boundaries between public office, political ambition, and governance integrity. Proceedings continue before the National Industrial Court in Abuja.
