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From: Ismail Omipidan, Abuja
Professor Abubakar Sulaiman was one of the ministers appointed during the twilight of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2014. Like many of his colleagues, he must have hoped to retain his position after the 2015 presidential election. But fate had other plans. Jonathan lost the election, and his political camp was thrown into disarray.
When the All Progressives Congress (APC) took over, most of the ministers who served Jonathan quietly withdrew from public view, wary of the new administration under President Muhammadu Buhari. But Prof. Sulaiman stood out. He withstood the test of loyalty and was everywhere offering explanations in defence of the administration he served. Though he was not the Information Minister, but the Minister of Budget and National Planning, he played the role of an unofficial spokesperson with remarkable zeal.
So, when he was named the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), again, in the twilight of the Senator Bukola Saraki-led Senate on May 28, 2019, it stirred scepticism in some quarters. The timing of his appointment raised eyebrows, especially because the 2019 National Assembly elections had already been concluded and it was clear that Ahmad Lawan would emerge as the next Senate President. Many had thought that Lawan would not work with Prof. Sulaiman as he might remove him from office. Lawan, however, did work with him. And for the first time, several years after that appointment, former Senate President (2019-2023), Ahmad Lawan revealed that he initially had doubts about Prof. Sulaiman’s ability to work effectively with his administration. However, what he failed to add was that his reservations may have been influenced by the former minister’s political leaning at the time.
The former Senate President added that “It took some time for me to start to work with the DG. But when we did, he proved to be everything we didn’t think—very loyal, committed, efficient, and a team player. Our four years as the Governing Council of NILDS were probably the most productive years of the institute.” He added that the success of their collaboration prompted both him and former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila to endorse Prof. Sulaiman for a second term as NILDS Director-General in 2023.
Lawan spoke last Thursday in Abuja at an event held to celebrate Prof. Sulaiman’s 60th birthday and to unveil two books written in his honour. The two books unveiled at the event are ‘Transformative Leadership in Practice’ and ‘Destiny, Character and Leadership.’
Interestingly, Lawan was not the only dignitary present at the occasion to celebrate Prof. Sulaiman on the occasion. Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former President Goodluck Jonathan led other dignitaries and intellectuals in celebrating the NILDS DG.
The event drew eminent personalities from the legislature, academia, diplomatic corps, and traditional institutions, including the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. One after another, the dignitaries extolled Prof. Sulaiman’s transformative contributions to governance, scholarship, and public policy in Nigeria.
Vice President Shettima, described Prof. Sulaiman as “a man whose life has been defined by intellect, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to national advancement.”
Represented by Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, the vice president lauded Prof. Sulaiman’s tenure as Minister of Budget and National Planning and his current leadership at NILDS, noting that “under his guidance, the institute has evolved into a true think tank bridging the gap between policy, legislation, and governance.”
He further said that “His tenure as Minister of National Planning and presently as the Director-General of NILDS has been marked by excellence, foresight, and transformative leadership.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, praised Sulaiman’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s legislative system and his efforts at elevating democratic practice through scholarship and institutional reforms.
“We are celebrating not just a scholar, but a nation-builder who has used knowledge as an instrument of transformation,” Akpabio said, just as he announced the Senate’s support for the book launch.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, described Sulaiman as “a visionary leader and institution builder.”
Reviewing ‘Transformative Leadership in Practice,’ he said the book “mirrors diverse perspectives on Sulaiman’s leadership style and confirms him as a reformer who leads by example.”
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Represented by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, ex-President Jonathan recalled Sulaiman’s brief but impactful tenure in his administration.
“Although his appointment was at the twilight of the administration, he quickly stamped his authority on the work of the National Planning Commission. His innovations and transformative leadership attributes were brought to bear on the work of the NPC, transforming it into an efficient public institution.”
He added that Sulaiman’s input made governance more effective, saying that “As the chief planner, he ensured my government received all the inputs required for informed decision making. This made my task as President less arduous than it should ordinarily have been.”
Similarly, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, praised Sulaiman’s humility and simplicity, declaring that “Professor Sulaiman is a professor who has a style of simplicity. Anytime I come to Abuja, he makes life so easy for me. Every day I pray for you and all the things you are made of in this life.”
On his part, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who was represented by the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr. Atolagbe Abubakar Jos, described the celebrant as “a cherished son of the community whose contributions remain invaluable.”
In his review of ‘Transformative Leadership in Practice’, former INEC Chairman and Presidential Adviser on Livestock Reforms, Prof. Attahiru Jega, commended the book’s scholarly depth and Sulaiman’s record of institutional innovation.
He highlighted that under Sulaiman’s leadership, NILDS analysed over 101,000 bills between 2019 and 2024, compared to 858 in the previous seven years, and expanded its staff strength from 150 to 250. The book, he said, “offers empirical illustrations of transformative leadership and its impact on democratic governance.”
Professor Nimata Abdulraheem, who was the reviewer for the second book ‘Destiny, Character and Leadership,’ described it as “a reflective and inspiring work chronicling Sulaiman’s journey of faith, service, and resilience.”
She said the book provides “practical lessons in humility, courage, and leadership” from Sulaiman’s personal and professional life.”
Responding, Professor Sulaiman expressed gratitude to God, his family, and the Nigerian leadership for their support. He reflected on his journey from the academia to public service, acknowledging the challenges and milestones that shaped his leadership philosophy.
He noted that “leadership is not about titles or tenure” but about impact, integrity, and the courage to serve with conviction.
Prof. Sulaiman told Daily Sun that his philosophy was simple, noting that “but if I believe in something, I pursue it, regardless of resistance or challenges and discomfort. I’m always very steadfast, very focused, I’m very committed to anything I believe in. So, when I set for myself an agenda, I go for it, and so long as I set an agenda for myself, the goal is where I want to go,” he added.
Prof. Sulaiman further said “I don’t look at all these centrifugal forces that are trying to pull people down. I remain focused, dogged, steadfast, and pursue it, regardless of what might go against me. This is because ultimately, either you pull me down or don’t pull me down, either you support me or don’t support me, I believe that what God has destined for me will come to pass. I am a believer in Allah. My belief is strong, and I also have a very strong conviction. When I’m convinced about anything, I go for it, and that is why there’s no time I bother about some mediating forces of facture trying to work against it. The truth is, nothing comes to me so rosy,” Prof. Sulaiman added.
The celebratory event, graced by tributes and distinguished dignitaries from far and wide, underscored Prof. Sulaiman’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s democratic development and intellectual advancement. In many ways, the gathering was more than just a birthday celebration, it was a recognition of a life devoted to public service, scholarship, and nation-building. Prof. Sulaiman’s journey reflects the power of resilience, loyalty, and leadership in shaping democratic institutions.
