WorldStage– The Peter Obi Media Office (POMR) has raised serious concerns over the reported endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by approximately 600 university academics, alleging that the development could severely undermine the credibility of the 2027 presidential election.
In a strong statement released on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and signed by its spokesperson, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the media office described the backing from the lecturers as a profoundly troubling move.
POMR argued that the mass endorsement signifies a strategic, early attempt to build and institutionalize a highly partisan network designed to influence the outcome of the next general election.
The reaction follows a weekend communiqué issued by senior academics from across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who openly declared support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
The political gathering was notably hosted in Kaduna by Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, the Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters.
POMR emphasized that university lecturers cannot be viewed merely as private citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
The office highlighted the historic role academics play within Nigeria’s electoral framework, frequently serving as critical Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, including collation and returning officers.
“This development could compromise the electoral process and completely erase public trust in those who may be responsible for collating or announcing election results,” the statement read.
POMR warned that allowing a machinery for pre-arranged electoral networking to take root ahead of time would invalidate the voice of the electorate.
Therefore, the Obi’s camp urged INEC to immediately intervene by releasing the names of all the academics involved in the endorsement.
The media office demanded that the electoral body formally prohibit these specific individuals from supervising any aspect of the 2027 polls.
To ensure total institutional neutrality, POMR also called on university governing councils and academic bodies nationwide to enforce strict conflict-of-interest regulations against partisan mobilization.
The controversy comes amidst broader opposition scrutiny regarding electoral integrity, with the Atiku Media Office similarly warning against trusting openly partisan academics with sensitive polling responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has swiftly distanced itself from the endorsement, reiterating that the union remains strictly apolitical.
