Nigeria mourns the loss of an icon in its democratic history, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), who passed away in the United States on Thursday. President Bola Tinubu, in an emotional statement, expressed deep sorrow for the passing of a man who played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
Prof. Nwosu, who served as NEC chairman from 1989 to 1993, will be remembered for his courage and commitment to electoral reforms in Nigeria. Under his leadership, NEC implemented the OPTION A 4 voting system, a simple yet innovative approach where voters queued directly behind their candidate’s photograph. This system brought a unique level of transparency and accessibility to Nigeria’s elections, laying the groundwork for what many hoped would be a more democratic future. His efforts culminated in the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election an election widely considered one of Nigeria’s fairest, yet ultimately annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime.
Despite the setback, Nwosu’s legacy endured, with June 12 later recognized as Nigeria’s Democracy Day a tribute to his work and the spirit of democracy he championed.
President Tinubu’s statement, delivered by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, highlighted Nwosu’s contributions to democracy and praised his bravery as an administrator who sought to secure credible elections for Nigeria. Tinubu recalled Nwosu as a patriot who worked tirelessly to ensure that elections were a true reflection of the people’s will a vision that resonates with Tinubu’s own commitment to transparent governance.
Tinubu emphasized that one of the greatest honors for figures like Nwosu is for Nigeria to uphold the principles they advocated: fair, credible, and transparent elections. Such values, Tinubu noted, remain essential for a thriving democracy where people feel empowered to choose their leaders and determine the nation’s direction.
Following Nwosu’s passing, there has been a surge in calls from the National Assembly for the federal government to immortalize his legacy. Representatives urge that Nwosu’s name and contributions be officially honored, reflecting the significant role he played in the quest for democracy and transparent governance.
In his tribute, President Tinubu prayed for the repose of Prof. Nwosu’s soul and for divine comfort for his family, friends, and all who mourn his passing. Nwosu leaves behind an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history, and his dedication to fairness and justice in elections serves as an enduring example for future leaders.
As Nigeria continues its journey as a democratic nation, the ideals Prof. Humphrey Nwosu championed remain relevant and essential. His legacy is a reminder of the commitment needed to protect and strengthen the country’s democratic processes, ensuring that the values of transparency, accountability, and the people’s voice remain at the heart of governance.