2027: ASUU Declares Neutrality,Warns Officials Against Endorsing Any 2027 Candidate

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared that it will not endorse or support any political party or candidate in the 2027 general election, and warned its officials against using the union’s name or platform for partisan interests.

ASUU President Prof. Christopher Piwuna made the declaration on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the union’s 2026 Heroes’ Day celebration in Abuja, ValidViewNetwork reports.

MEMBERS ARE FREE, THE UNION IS NOT

Piwuna said ASUU would not ask members to give up their constitutional right to vote or take part in the process.

Members may belong to political parties, but only in a personal capacity. He said no member has permission to use ASUU’s name to support any candidate or party.

He warned that any official found “hobnobbing” with parties or individuals in a way that compromises this position would face action. Leaders, he said, are supposed to lead by example.

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He added that ASUU backs no individual standing for election anywhere, “today, tomorrow or the day after.” One report quoted him as naming Tinubu, Atiku and Obi among those the union will not endorse.

THE CONTROVERSY BEHIND THE WARNING

Findings show the declaration follows a recent row over a group of northern lecturers who publicly endorsed President Tinubu.

Piwuna moved quickly then to say the endorsement had nothing to do with the union. The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) later urged INEC to publish clear criteria barring academics who publicly endorse candidates from serving as returning and collation officers.

INEC routinely engages university lecturers in those roles. The ADC accepted that lecturers have a constitutional right to back candidates. It argued they should not handle results where their preferred candidates are on the ballot.

INEC has said it will verify allegations of partisanship against lecturers who may be engaged.

GOVERNMENT REACTION AT THE EVENT

Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad also spoke at the event. She praised ASUU’s contributions to Nigeria’s university system and its advocacy for better funding, working conditions and quality higher education.

She said the renegotiated ASUU–Federal Government agreement shows the government’s commitment to industrial harmony and improved teaching, learning and research.

THE BOTTOM LINE

ASUU has drawn a line between its members’ individual rights and the union’s collective name. The test will come as campaigns intensify and members face pressure to pick sides. ValidViewNetwork reports.