The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared that it will not endorse any political party or candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning its officials against using the union’s name to promote partisan interests.
‎‎ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja during the union’s 2026 Heroes’ Day celebration.
‎‎He clarified that while members retained their constitutional right to vote and participate in the electoral process, they were not permitted to represent the union in supporting any candidate or political party.
‎‎Piwuna said any union official found engaging in partisan activities in a manner that contradicts ASUU’s non-political position would face disciplinary action.
‎He maintained that the union would remain neutral throughout the electioneering period, regardless of the political affiliation or position being contested.
‎The president also clarified that ASUU would not participate institutionally in the deployment of its members as electoral officers.
‎‎The union’s position comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with Piwuna emphasising the importance of maintaining the organisation’s independence.
‎‎He explained that electoral integrity was selected as the theme of this year’s Heroes’ Day lecture to encourage discussions on transparency, credibility and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
‎‎According to him, security agencies have an important responsibility in ensuring peaceful, free and credible elections, particularly against the backdrop of declining public trust in electoral administration.
‎‎Piwuna also expressed uncertainty over whether state police would be established before the 2027 elections, suggesting that political leaders were more occupied with election campaigns than implementing the proposed reform.
‎‎Responding to concerns raised by the guest speaker, Owei Lakemfa, about the readiness of state police before the polls, he questioned whether the authorities had sufficient time and commitment to actualise the proposal.
‎‎He noted that both federal and state police would have significant roles to play in protecting the integrity of future elections.
‎‎Earlier, the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, praised ASUU for its contributions to the country’s university system, particularly its advocacy for improved funding, better welfare for lecturers and quality education.
‎‎Ahmad said the renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU reflected efforts to address the concerns of university workers, promote industrial harmony and strengthen teaching, learning and research.
‎The annual Heroes’ Day celebration also featured the recognition of individuals who had contributed to the union’s activities and the development of higher education in Nigeria.
‎The event, observed every November 12, commemorates former ASUU president, Festus Iyayi, who died on November 12, 2013, while travelling to Kano during a union strike.
‎‎The recognition programme was designed to encourage younger academics and future union leaders to uphold the values of integrity, sacrifice and collective responsibility.
‎‎Among the award recipients was former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and chairman of the ASUU-Federal Government renegotiation committee, Yayale Ahmed, whose contribution to resolving the 16-year renegotiation deadlock was acknowledged.
‎‎Other recipients included Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, Lawrence-Pwulukai Ngbale, Sulyman Abdulkareem and Olu Obafemi.
‎‎Posthumous honours were also conferred on the late Gamaliel Onosode and Emeritus Nimi Briggs.
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