SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared that it will not endorse President Bola Tinubu or any other presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning its officials against using the union’s name or influence to promote political interests.
The union’s position comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the next general elections, with parties and presidential hopefuls expected to begin strengthening their support networks across the country.
ASUU President Professor Christopher Piwuna gave the warning during the union’s 2026 Heroes’ Day celebration in Abuja on Thursday, stressing that the organization would maintain its political neutrality regardless of the candidates or parties involved.
According to Piwuna, ASUU members remain free to exercise their constitutional rights by voting, participating in political activities, and supporting candidates of their choice. However, he insisted that such decisions must remain personal and should not be presented as the official position of the union.
He warned that no official had the authority to turn ASUU’s institutional platform into a campaign tool for any politician.
“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. However, no member of our union has permission to use the name of ASUU to support any candidate or political party,” he said.
Piwuna further warned that union officials found that associating with political parties or individuals in ways that compromise ASUU’s neutrality would face disciplinary action.
He maintained that the union would not identify with anyone seeking elective office, whether at the presidential, governorship, or legislative level.
“ASUU is not supporting any political party. I repeat, ASUU is not supporting any individual standing for election anywhere, today, tomorrow, or the day after. We remain apolitical,” he added.
The warning is significant because ASUU remains one of Nigeria’s most influential professional organizations, with considerable visibility in national debates about education, governance, and public policy.
Its long-running disagreements with successive federal administrations over university funding, lecturers’ welfare, unpaid entitlements, and working conditions have also given the union a strong voice in political discussions.
Maintaining neutrality could therefore help prevent internal divisions and protect the organization from being associated with the political fortunes of any administration or opposition party.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, praised ASUU for its contributions to improving Nigeria’s university system.
She said the renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and the union demonstrated the government’s willingness to address the concerns of university workers and promote industrial harmony.
With the 2027 elections approaching, ASUU’s message is clear: its members can support whoever they choose, but the union itself will not become a political campaign platform.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
