Focus on Continuity as NILDS Prepares for Leadership Change

With the expected resignation of the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), stakeholders have urged the National Assembly leadership to act quickly to prevent a leadership gap and ensure continuity at the institute.

A group of concerned stakeholders has called on the leadership of Nigeria’s National Assembly to urgently appoint an interim head for the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) ahead of the anticipated resignation of its Director-General, Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman.

In a letter dated 18 March 2026 and addressed to the President of the Senate, who also chairs the institute’s Governing Council, the group warned that failure to act promptly could create a leadership vacuum at the institution.

The letter, also copied to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in his role as Alternate Chairman of the Council, noted that Professor Sulaiman is expected to step down on or before 31 March 2026. His planned resignation follows a federal directive requiring political appointees seeking elective office to leave their positions in line with the Electoral Act, 2026.

Professor Sulaiman has publicly declared his intention to contest the governorship election in Kwara State.

The stakeholders stressed that NILDS plays a key role in supporting the National Assembly through research, training, and policy development, making leadership continuity essential. According to them, any disruption could affect ongoing programmes, partnerships, and the overall stability of the institute.

To avoid this, they recommended that the Governing Council immediately appoint either an Acting Director-General or a Sole Administrator to oversee operations until a substantive head is named.

Beyond the leadership issue, the group also called for an independent forensic audit of the institute’s administrative and financial activities covering the period from 2019 to March 2026.

They explained that such a review would help strengthen transparency and accountability, and should be seen as a routine step during leadership transitions rather than a punitive measure.

The proposed audit, they said, should examine compliance with tax obligations, procurement laws, financial regulations, and federal character requirements, as well as general administrative practices.

The group further urged the Governing Council to ensure that any appointment whether interim or permanent follows constitutional provisions on federal character and reflects fairness in representation.

They also recommended putting in place a structured transition plan to maintain stability within the institute during the leadership change.

The stakeholders expressed confidence in the National Assembly leadership to handle the situation responsibly and called for swift action in the interest of good governance.

E–Signed:
Jesse Williams Amuga, Esq.
Administrative Secretary, ALDRAP

Hillary Onwe – Director
Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja – Secretary