The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has barred its officials from using the union’s name or platform to endorse political candidates or parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. The education body also declared that it will remain politically neutral throughout the electoral cycle.
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, issued the directive on Thursday during the union’s 2026 Heroes’ Day celebration in Abuja, according to a report by Arise News on Friday. He stated that no member holds the authority to promote any political party or candidate on behalf of the organisation.
Piwuna warned that union officials who violate the directive will face disciplinary action. He clarified that while members remain free to exercise their constitutional rights to vote and participate in the electoral process, they 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 stressed that the union will 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”.
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. She acknowledged the union’s advocacy for improved funding, better working conditions for lecturers, and quality higher education.
Ahmad stated that the renegotiated ASUU-Federal Government agreement demonstrates the government’s acommitment to addressing the concerns of university workers. She added that the agreement aims to promote industrial harmony while improving teaching, learning, and research in tertiary institutions.
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