TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has barred its officials from using the union's name or structures to campaign for political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that it will maintain a neutral position throughout the electoral process.
The union's President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, announced the position on Thursday during ASUU's 2026 Heroes' Day celebration in Abuja, saying the organisation would not align itself with any politician seeking elective office.
He clarified that the decision did not restrict members from exercising their individual political rights, including voting and participating in election-related activities. However, he warned that personal political preferences must not be presented as the official position of the union.
Piwuna said any union official who associates with political parties or candidates in a way that compromises ASUU's neutrality could face disciplinary action.
He emphasised that the restriction applied to all political parties, candidates and elective positions, regardless of the level of government involved.
The union president's declaration comes as political mobilisation gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, with ASUU seeking to prevent its institutional identity from being drawn into partisan campaigns.
At the same event, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, praised the union for its role in pushing for improvements in Nigeria's university system.
She acknowledged ASUU's longstanding demands for better university funding, improved working conditions for lecturers and higher standards in tertiary education.
Ahmad also pointed to the renegotiated agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government as evidence of efforts to address the concerns of university workers.
According to her, the agreement is expected to support industrial harmony while strengthening teaching, learning and research across the country's higher institutions.The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has barred its officials from using the union's name or structures to campaign for political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that it will maintain a neutral position throughout the electoral process.
The union's President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, announced the position on Thursday during ASUU's 2026 Heroes' Day celebration in Abuja, saying the organisation would not align itself with any politician seeking elective office.
He clarified that the decision did not restrict members from exercising their individual political rights, including voting and participating in election-related activities. However, he warned that personal political preferences must not be presented as the official position of the union.
Piwuna said any union official who associates with political parties or candidates in a way that compromises ASUU's neutrality could face disciplinary action.
He emphasised that the restriction applied to all political parties, candidates and elective positions, regardless of the level of government involved.
The union president's declaration comes as political mobilisation gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, with ASUU seeking to prevent its institutional identity from being drawn into partisan campaigns.
At the same event, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, praised the union for its role in pushing for improvements in Nigeria's university system.
She acknowledged ASUU's longstanding demands for better university funding, improved working conditions for lecturers and higher standards in tertiary education.
Ahmad also pointed to the renegotiated agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government as evidence of efforts to address the concerns of university workers.
According to her, the agreement is expected to support industrial harmony while strengthening teaching, learning and research across the country's higher institutions.
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