The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has paid glowing tribute to late Prof Humphrey Nwosu, former INEC Chairman and umpire of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Speaking at a solemn tribute ceremony at INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, the Commission’s Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, praised Nwosu’s contributions to Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly his introduction of the Open Ballot System, popularly known as Option A4, which revolutionized election transparency in the country.
Nwosu passed on in Virginia, United States on 20th October 2024, at the age of 83, having served Nigeria as the chairman of its electoral umpire during the military rule of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
“Professor Nwosu did his best, though his efforts were not always appreciated at the time. A quarter-century later, the election he conducted is now celebrated as one of Nigeria’s best, yet the man who ensured its success remains largely unrecognized,” he said.
Yakubu noted that while the presumed winner of the election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was posthumously honored with Nigeria’s highest national award, the role played by Prof Nwosu and his Commission has not received due recognition.
He therefore urged the government to correct this oversight by honoring Nwosu posthumously for his commitment to electoral integrity.
Speaking further on Nwosu’s leadership, Yakubu acknowledged the late professor’s resilience in the face of political turmoil, particularly following the annulment of the 1993 election.
“Surely, the election did not conduct itself. It was organized by a Commission led by a Chairman. If it was an oversight that Professor Nwosu was not honored in his lifetime, it is never too late to do so posthumously,” he stated.
Yakubu assured that INEC will continue to celebrate Nwosu’s legacy, while extending condolences to the late chairman’s family and commending them for standing by him through the challenges of his tenure.
