Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who played a key role in Nigeria’s electoral history as the former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), has died at the age of 83.
He passed away on Thursday in a hospital in Virginia, USA.
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Born on October 2, 1941, in Ajali, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Professor Nwosu led the NEC from 1989 to 1993, a period that witnessed the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.
This election, hailed as Nigeria’s fairest, saw Chief Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) emerge victorious over Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC).
However, the results were annulled by the then-military leader, President Ibrahim Babangida, leading to a political crisis that prolonged Nigeria’s military rule until 1999, when democracy was restored.
Nwosu’s death has been met with mixed reactions. Ohaneze Ndigbo, the leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, expressed deep sadness at his passing, highlighting the lack of recognition he received from Nigerian authorities.
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According to Chief Damian Okeke Ogene, the Acting National President of Ohaneze, Nwosu’s contribution to Nigeria’s democratic journey was underappreciated, especially when compared to the recognition given to MKO Abiola, who has since been immortalized.
Chief Ogene suggested establishing a National Institute for Political Studies in Nwosu’s name to acknowledge his significant role in the evolution of Nigeria’s electoral system and the advancement of democracy.
