Nigerians are calling on the federal government to immortalize the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), who conducted Nigeria’s most credible election on June 12, 1993.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held a solemn ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday to honor Nwosu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy. At the event, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu urged the government to posthumously recognize Nwosu for his role in transforming the country’s electoral system.
Prof. Yakubu praised Nwosu for introducing the Open Ballot System, also known as Option A4, which improved election transparency. He also credited Nwosu with relocating NEC’s headquarters from Lagos to Abuja and establishing the INEC headquarters.
“His reforms shaped Nigeria’s electoral process and set the foundation for free and fair elections,” Yakubu adminted.
During the event, the INEC Secretary detailed Nwosu’s achievements in particular, his dedication to credible elections.
Former chairman of the Police Service Commission, Simon Okeke, recommended the government name the INEC headquarters after Nwosu. “M.K.O. Abiola has been recognized as the true winner of the June 12 election, but the man who made it happen remains unrecognized,” Okeke said.
Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, and veteran broadcaster Tonnie Iredia also backed calls for the federal government to honor Nwosu’s contributions to democracy.
Final Farewell for a Democratic Icon
Prof. Humphrey Nwosu passed away in Virginia, USA, on October 20, 2024, at the age of 83. He will be laid to rest on March 28 in his hometown, Ajalli, Anambra State.
While Chief M.K.O. Abiola posthumously received Nigeria’s highest national award, Nwosu has yet to receive similar recognition.
INEC officials and political analysts believe honoring Nwosu would correct this oversight and acknowledge his commitment to electoral integrity.
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