Sulaiman, a Nigerian federal government appointee has hence ignited controversy over the potential breach of NILDS' ethical guidelines.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, has announced that it welcomed the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Suleiman, officially into the party as a member.
Mustafa Salman Isowo, the APC Secretary in the state, made this known on Tuesday via his Facebook page.
According to him, "The party received the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Suleiman @profaosulaiman and his team officially to the APC in the state capital, Ilorin.
"In his speech at his visitation to the State Party Secretariat, he pledged full participation and commitment to promoting the party APC across board as APC is his home and he is happy to be back home."
The secretary said, "This development is as a result of the good developmental strides initiated and achieved under the leadership of the Executive Governor of Kwara State & Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Mall. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON @realaarahman."
He added that the DG was warmly received by members of the State Working Committee of the Party.
Sulaiman, a Nigerian federal government appointee has hence ignited controversy over the potential breach of NILDS' ethical guidelines.
Sulaiman's move to align with the APC, a major political party in Nigeria, has raised questions about the perceived neutrality and impartiality of his role at the NILDS.
Some critics argued that his political affiliation could undermine the institute’s commitment to neutrality and democratic principles.
Meanwhile, in July 2024, Sulaiman had denied any involvement with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He had claimed that the viral graphics depicting him with the APC logo were false and did not originate from him.
In a press statement signed by Faruq Atofarati, Special Assistant on Special Duties to the DG of NILDS, he had described it as misinformation.
The statement clarified that the DG was committed to upholding democratic principles and, consequently, cannot belong to any political party.
The statement read, "It has come to our attention that certain platforms are disseminating content that suggests Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman is affiliated with a specific political party. We would like to formally address and clarify this matter.
"Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman currently serves as the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). This esteemed position mandates strict adherence to a non-partisan stance, ensuring that NILDS remains an impartial and objective institution dedicated to enhancing legislative practices and promoting democratic governance in Nigeria."
He had stated that as the Director-General, Professor Sulaiman was committed to upholding these principles and, consequently, could not belong to any political party.
He added that any content or statements suggesting otherwise did not reflect the truth of his professional and ethical commitments.
When SaharaReporters contacted Prof Sulaiman for a reaction, he did not respond to calls or messages.
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