Former NEC Chairman, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, is dead

Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), has passed away in a hospital in the United States.

Born on October 2, 1941, Nwosu was appointed NEC Chairman by then-Military President General Ibrahim Babangida, serving from 1989 to 1993. He is best known for overseeing Nigeria’s historic June 12, 1993, election, widely regarded as the country’s freest and fairest.

The election, which saw Chief Moshood Abiola emerge as the presumed winner, was later annulled by the military regime.

Nwosu’s legacy is closely tied to the June 12 election, which has become a symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

Dr. Josef Onoh, former South East spokesman for President Bola Tinubu’s campaign, called for the federal government to immortalise Nwosu, praising his patriotism and dedication to Nigeria’s unity.

Onoh noted Nwosu’s resilience in the face of pressure from the military to halt the results, stating, “Without Nwosu’s resilience and commitment, the history of June 12 democracy celebration would not have been made.”

He stressed that Nwosu transcended ethnic divides, demonstrating that a united Nigeria is possible, even amid political tensions.

Onoh urged the government to recognize Nwosu’s invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, concluding that his courage should inspire citizens to strive for a unified and progressive nation.

“Nwosu stood by the truth and showed that we should not play ethnicity in politics,” he stated.