ASUU bars officials from endorsing 2027 candidates, parties

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has barred its officials from using the union’s name or platform to endorse political candidates or parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This is as the education body declares that it will remain politically neutral.

The union’s President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, said no ASUU member had the authority to promote any political party or candidate in the name of the organisation.

Piwuna warned that officials who violated the directive would face disciplinary action.

According to Arise News on Friday, Piwuna stated this on Thursday at the union’s 2026 Heroes’ Day celebration in Abuja, where he “reaffirmed ASUU’s apolitical position ahead of the forthcoming elections.”

He said “members remained free to exercise their constitutional rights to vote and participate in the electoral process but must not portray their personal political preferences as the union’s position.

“As far as the 2027 elections are concerned, we will not ask our members to abdicate their constitutional right to vote or participate in the process.

“However, no member of our union has permission to use the name of ASUU to support any candidate or political party.

“We remain apolitical, and we are not supporting any candidate. Any official of our union found hobnobbing with political parties or individuals in a manner that compromises this position will face action because our leaders are supposed to lead by example.”

The ASUU president further stressed that the union would not associate itself with any individual seeking elective office, regardless of their political affiliation or the level of government involved.

“ASUU is not supporting any political party. I repeat, ASUU is not supporting any individual standing for election anywhere, today, tomorrow or the day after. We remain apolitical,” he added.

Piwuna’s declaration comes amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections and concerns over the involvement of professional associations in partisan political campaigns.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, commended ASUU for its contributions to the development of Nigeria’s university system.

Ahmad acknowledged the “union’s advocacy for improved funding, better working conditions for lecturers and quality higher education.”

She said the renegotiated ASUU-Federal Government agreement demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of university workers, promoting industrial harmony and improving teaching, learning and research in tertiary institutions.