A coalition advocating for the recognition of late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu has called on the Federal Government to honour his legacy for overseeing Nigeria’s historic June 12, 1993, election.
The PUNCH reported that the Coalition for the Immortalisation of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu made this appeal at a press conference held at the Ladi Lawal Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping the country’s democratic journey.
Leading the briefing was the Executive Director of the Citizens Network for Stability & Justice, Collins Ugwu joined by a Public Affairs and Policy Analyst, and Chief Everest Ezenwoke, South West Coordinator of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Maduka.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Ugwu described Nwosu as a distinguished scholar and fearless electoral umpire, whose contributions deserve national recognition.
Nwosu, who passed away in October 2024 at the age of 83, is set to be buried on March 28, 2025, in his hometown Ajali, Orumba Local Government Area, Anambra State.
As the chairman of the National Electoral Commission from 1989 to 1993, Nwosu supervised the landmark June 12 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s fairest electoral process.
The election, believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was later annulled by then-military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida, a decision that altered Nigeria’s political trajectory.
Ugwu underscored the sacrifices Nwosu made in ensuring credible elections despite immense political pressure.
“We are convinced that a man of Prof. Nwosu’s untainted eminence, fearless courage, and unmatched performance deserves a solemn retelling of his immense contributions to make Nigeria better through transparent and credible elections,” Ugwu stated. “He possessed the most profound integrity, and his acceptability remains unrivaled.”
The coalition emphasized that Nwosu resisted numerous challenges, including political interference and threats, yet upheld electoral integrity.
Ugwu recalled how Nwosu courageously declared Abiola the election winner despite mounting opposition.
Additionally, he praised Nwosu’s ethical leadership, noting his refusal to succumb to corruption.
“It is tragic irony that despite his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s electoral process, Nwosu never fully recovered from the fallout of the annulled election,” Ugwu lamented. “He was a victim of the very system he helped create, and it is time the nation recognizes him.”
The group urged President Bola Tinubu to posthumously honour Nwosu with a Grand Commander of the Order of Niger or Commander of the Federal Republic, acknowledging his commitment to democratic ideals.
“We respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider granting Prof. Humphrey Nwosu the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) or Commander of the Federal Republic for his selfless dedication to Nigeria’s democratic process,” Ugwu urged.
Beyond national honours, the coalition suggested several ways to preserve Nwosu’s legacy, including renaming the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters in Abuja, dedicating a major road in his name, or establishing a National Freedom Park in his honour.
They also called on Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, to ensure that Nwosu is properly celebrated within the state.
“We urge him to take decisive action, as both a professor and governor, to honour Nwosu’s legacy,” Ugwu said, noting that Soludo was a colleague of Nwosu at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The coalition expressed confidence that the Tinubu administration would recognize the lasting impact of Nwosu’s electoral reforms.
“Prof. Nwosu was a beacon of candor and integrity. He humanized our election process in a way no one has since matched,” Ugwu stated. “We must restore the values that made INEC a credible institution under his leadership and honor the legacy of one of our true democratic pioneers.”
The group called on Nigerians to support the initiative, ensuring that Nwosu’s contributions to democracy are never forgotten.
