Key Takeaways
- ASUU declares that there is no free and fair election in Nigeria
- The union warns of rising political killings, thuggery, and pre-election violence
- ASUU urges Nigerians to resist all attempts to rig the upcoming 2027 elections
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has made a strong statement regarding the state of elections in Nigeria, stating that there is no free and fair election in the country. This declaration was made by ASUU President, Christopher G Piwuna, during a press conference titled “Nigeria Universities and Nigeria today: Our worries, our propositions”, held at the University of Jos.
According to the union, elections across all political positions are rigged to favour certain candidates to the detriment of others, describing the situation as dangerous. ASUU described the political class as the biggest threat to Nigeria’s security, warning that rising political killings, thuggery, and pre-election violence could plunge the country into a major crisis ahead of the general elections.
ASUU President, Christopher G Piwuna, emphasized the need for Nigerians to resist all attempts to rig the upcoming 2027 elections. He stated that the most democratic way to resist obnoxious policies is through election to get the right people, but lamented that elections in Nigeria are not free and fair.
The Challenges Facing Academic Staff
The ASUU President also spoke on the challenges facing academic staff, including the government’s refusal to settle their outstanding salaries and the continued delay in the payment of wage awards and promotion arrears. He recalled that the signing of the December 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement was seen as a significant move to arrest restiveness among academic staff of Federal and State universities.
Furthermore, ASUU rejected the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) policy of tenable and non-tenable universities in selecting beneficiaries for local postgraduate studies under its Academic Staff Training and Development (ASTD). This policy was described as uncomfortable and not in the best interest of academic staff.
Why This Matters
The warnings issued by ASUU are a cause for concern, as they highlight the potential for election rigging and political instability in Nigeria. It is essential for Nigerians to be aware of these issues and to take an active role in promoting free and fair elections to ensure the country’s democratic future. With the 2027 elections approaching, the need for resistance against obnoxious policies and the promotion of good governance has never been more pressing.