The passing of Professor Humphrey Nwosu on Thursday, October 24, 2024, marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigerian political history.
The 83-year-old scholar, who served as a Professor of Political Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, died at a hospital in Virginia, USA.
His contributions to Nigerian democracy, particularly as chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) from 1989 to 1993, have left an indelible legacy.
Appointed by then-head of state President Ibrahim Babangida following the resignation of Eme Awa, Nwosu transformed the country’s electoral system.
He introduced the innovative, inexpensive Option A4 and Open Ballot voting systems, which allowed citizens to queue behind their preferred candidates, adding transparency and public accountability to Nigeria’s elections.
Under his leadership, NEC organized the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election—a pivotal moment many still consider Nigeria’s fairest and freest election.
In this election, Chief Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was widely presumed to have won, although Nwosu was barred from announcing the final results by the military regime, which eventually annulled the election.
This annulment plunged Nigeria into political unrest and is viewed as a lost chance for democratic continuity.
Beyond his work in electoral reform, Nwosu’s influence extended into state governance. As a cabinet member under Governor Samson Omeruah of old Anambra State, he played a crucial role in empowering traditional rulers, securing their staff of office, official salaries, and resolving land disputes.
He also chaired a Federal Technical Committee on civil service reforms within local government, showcasing his dedication to improved governance structures.
Throughout his career, Nwosu was a contemporary to later INEC chairmen like Attahiru Jega and Maurice Iwu, who served in academia’s top union roles when Nwosu himself was leading NEC.
Although the House of Representatives urged President Bola Tinubu to immortalize Nwosu in July 2024 for his efforts in upholding democratic ideals, the honour had not been bestowed by the time of his passing.
On Friday, President Bola Tinubu, in a release issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and made available to Igbofacts, held fond memories of Nwosu as a bold and courageous administrator.
He expressed his deep sorrow at the loss of a patriot and national asset who played a significant role in shaping the democracy that Nigeria enjoys today.
“The greatest honour to champions of democracy like Nwosu is to ensure that elections in the country remain credible, transparent and democratic, reflecting the people’s right to choose their leaders and shape their future,” Tinubu said.
The President prayed God to grant the soul of the departed political scientist eternal rest and divine comfort for those who mourn him.
Professor Humphrey Nwosu’s legacy as a reformer and champion of free and fair elections will continue to inspire future generations, though his remarkable contributions to Nigerian democracy remain to be formally recognized.
