The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared that it will not support any political party or candidate in the 2027 general elections, warning its officials against using the union’s name to advance partisan interests.
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the union’s 2026 Heroes’ Day celebration, amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Piwuna said ASUU would remain politically neutral and would not endorse any candidate seeking elective office at the federal, state or local level.
He, however, stressed that the union’s political neutrality would not prevent individual members from exercising their constitutional rights to vote or participate in the electoral process.
“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,” he said.
He added that no member was authorised to use ASUU’s name or platform to support a political party or candidate.
Piwuna warned that union officials who associate with political parties or politicians in a manner that compromises ASUU’s position could face disciplinary action.
“We remain apolitical, and we are not supporting any candidate,” he said, stressing that ASUU leaders were expected to lead by example.
The declaration comes as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with concerns growing over political violence, electoral credibility and the involvement of professional and civil society organisations in partisan politics.
ASUU’s 2026 Heroes’ Day lecture focused on electoral integrity, with veteran journalist Owei Lakemfa speaking on “Insecurity, Incumbency and Elections in Nigeria: The Role of State Police.”
The lecture was scheduled as part of the annual event, which was held on November 12 in memory of former ASUU president Festus Iyayi.
Piwuna said the choice of the theme was deliberate, noting that the union wanted to stimulate discussion on the credibility, transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
He identified the role of security agencies as critical to the conduct of credible elections, particularly against the backdrop of public concerns about election management and security.
The ASUU president also expressed doubt that state police would become operational before the 2027 elections, questioning whether political leaders had sufficient time and commitment to implement the proposed reform.
“Obviously, who is going to make sure that state police come on board between now and January? Those who are saddled with the responsibility themselves are busy flying all across the country for campaigns,” he said.
Piwuna maintained that both federal and state police would have important responsibilities in creating an environment for free, fair and credible elections.
Earlier, Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, commended ASUU for its contributions to the development of Nigeria’s university system.
Ahmad highlighted the union’s advocacy for improved funding, better working conditions for lecturers and stronger standards in higher education.
She said the renegotiated agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing concerns affecting university workers, strengthening industrial harmony and improving teaching, learning and research.
ASUU used the Heroes’ Day celebration to honour individuals who have contributed to the union’s struggles and the development of Nigeria’s university system.
The union instituted the annual event in honour of Festus Iyayi, who died on November 12, 2013, while travelling to Kano during an ASUU strike.
The union uses the occasion to recognise individuals whose contributions reflect its values of sacrifice, integrity and collective responsibility.
Among those honoured this year was former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, who chaired the ASUU-Federal Government renegotiation committee.
He received a standing ovation for his role in resolving the long-running impasse over the renegotiation of the agreement.
Other honourees included Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, Lawrence-Pwulukai Ngbale, Sulyman Abdulkareem and Olu Obafemi.
ASUU also presented posthumous awards to the late Gamaliel Onosode and Emeritus Nimi Briggs.
