The union’s President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, warned that any official who violates the directive would face disciplinary action.
According to Arise News, Piwuna announced the position on Thursday during ASUU’s 2026 Heroes’ Day celebration in Abuja, where he reaffirmed the union’s apolitical stance ahead of the forthcoming elections.
He clarified that while individual members retained their constitutional right to vote and participate in the electoral process, they were prohibited from presenting their personal political preferences as the official position of the union.
“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.
“We remain apolitical, and we are not supporting any candidate. Any official of our union found hobnobbing with political parties or individuals in a manner that compromises this position will face action because our leaders are supposed to lead by example,” he said.
Piwuna further stressed that ASUU would not endorse any individual seeking elective office, irrespective of the political party or level of government involved.
“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 declaration comes amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections and growing attention to the involvement of professional and civil society organisations in partisan campaigns.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, who also spoke at the event, commended ASUU for its contributions to the development of Nigeria’s university system.
Ahmad acknowledged the union’s sustained advocacy for improved university funding, better working conditions for lecturers and the delivery of quality higher education.
She also said the renegotiated agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of university workers, strengthening industrial harmony and improving teaching, learning and research in tertiary institutions.
