The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has warned its officials against using the union’s name or platform to endorse political candidates or parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The union said it would maintain a politically neutral position and would not support any candidate or political party in the forthcoming elections.
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, gave the warning on Thursday during the union’s 2026 Heroes’ Day celebration in Abuja, according to Arise News. He said members remained free to exercise their constitutional rights to vote and participate in the electoral process but must not present their personal political preferences as the union’s position.
He stressed that no member had the authority to use ASUU’s name to promote any political party or candidate.
“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,” he said.
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The ASUU president warned that officials who violated the directive by associating the union with partisan political activities would face disciplinary action.
He added that the union would not identify 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 growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections and concerns over the involvement of professional associations in partisan campaigns.
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 reflected the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of university workers, promoting industrial harmony and improving teaching, learning and research in tertiary institutions.
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