ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared that it will not endorse or support any political party or candidate in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, warning its officials against using the union’s name, authority or platforms to advance partisan interests.
The union’s National President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, announced the position during the 2026 ASUU Heroes’ Day celebration in Abuja on Thursday, November 12. He said the organisation would maintain political neutrality before, during and after the elections, insisting that its leadership must not be associated with the campaign of any aspirant or political party.
Piwuna stressed that ASUU members retained their constitutional rights to vote, participate in political activities and make personal electoral choices. However, he drew a clear distinction between individual participation and activities conducted in the name of the union.
He warned that no member had the authority to deploy ASUU’s name or institutional platform to promote a candidate, regardless of the person’s political affiliation or the position being contested.
The union president also cautioned that officials who associate with politicians or political parties in ways that undermine ASUU’s declared neutrality could face disciplinary action. He said union leaders were expected to demonstrate integrity and lead by example, rather than allow their positions to be used for partisan purposes.
Piwuna further clarified that ASUU would not endorse individuals seeking elective positions at the federal, state or local government levels. The declaration effectively rules out an official union endorsement in the build-up to the 2027 presidential, governorship and legislative elections.
The position comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the next general elections, with parties and prospective candidates seeking support from professional organisations, labour groups, civil society bodies and influential institutions.
ASUU’s announcement establishes a distinction between the political rights of its individual members and the institutional identity of the organisation. While lecturers can freely support candidates or participate in campaigns in their personal capacities, they cannot present such activities as the official position of the union.
The 2026 Heroes’ Day celebration also provided an opportunity for ASUU to draw attention to concerns surrounding the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. The union selected electoral integrity as the focus of its annual lecture, with discussions examining insecurity, incumbency and the role of state police in elections.
Piwuna said the choice of theme was deliberate, reflecting the union’s concern about transparency, accountability and public confidence in election management. He identified security agencies as important stakeholders in ensuring that voters can participate in elections without intimidation or violence.
The guest speaker, veteran journalist Owei Lakemfa, raised questions about the proposed establishment of state police and whether the system could be operational before the 2027 elections. He also highlighted concerns about the financial capacity of state governments and the possibility of political interference in the proposed security structure.
Responding to the discussion, Piwuna expressed doubts that the state police proposal would be implemented before the next general elections. He questioned whether political leaders responsible for advancing the reform would give it sufficient attention amid preparations for the polls.
He maintained that both federal and state security institutions would have important responsibilities in protecting the electoral process and ensuring credible voting.
The event also featured recognition of individuals who had contributed to ASUU’s activities and the development of Nigeria’s university system. The annual celebration, held every November 12, was established in memory of former union president Professor Festus Iyayi, who died on November 12, 2013, while travelling to Kano during an ASUU strike.
Among those honoured at this year’s event was former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, who chaired the ASUU-Federal Government renegotiation committee. Other recipients included Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, Lawrence-Pwulukai Ngbale, Professor Sulyman Abdulkareem and Professor Olu Obafemi. Posthumous recognitions were also presented in honour of Gamaliel Onosode and Emeritus Professor Nimi Briggs.
The declaration of political neutrality places ASUU among organisations seeking to maintain institutional independence as Nigeria approaches another election cycle. Its challenge will be ensuring that the directive is respected across its national and branch structures while protecting members’ individual constitutional freedoms.
For now, the union’s message is clear: its members may participate in the 2027 electoral process as citizens, but ASUU itself will not campaign for, endorse or identify with any political party or candidate.
