A Forgotten Hero: Why Nigeria Must Honor The Legacy Of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu

INEC Boss Urges Recognition for the Man Who Gave Nigeria a Fair Election

Let me tell you a story about a man who played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria's democracy but has largely been overlooked by history. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the current Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), recently paid tribute to the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the seventh head of Nigeria’s electoral commission. Yakubu’s heartfelt words highlighted Nwosu's invaluable contributions to Nigeria's democratic process, contributions that deserve more recognition than they've received so far.

Naija News has been following this story closely, and we know that Nwosu, who passed away in October 2024, is remembered for his groundbreaking electoral reforms. These reforms, including the introduction of the Option A4 voting system and the Open Ballot System, were implemented during his tenure from 1989 to 1993. His work didn’t just change the way elections were conducted; it laid the foundation for the democratic processes we see today.

A Legacy That Deserves More Than Muted Acknowledgment

On Monday, at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Yakubu delivered a powerful message to an audience that included members of Nwosu’s family, colleagues, and well-wishers. He emphasized the need to posthumously recognize Nwosu for his role in shaping Nigeria’s electoral history. You see, Nwosu wasn’t just a figurehead; he was the man behind one of Nigeria’s most transparent and credible polls—the 1993 presidential election.

Read also:

Basketball Legends Turned Hollywood Stars A Closer Look

Now, here’s the kicker: while the 1993 election is now celebrated as a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, the man who oversaw it hasn’t received the recognition he deserves. Yakubu pointed out that Nwosu’s efforts were often misunderstood or outright ignored during his time, especially by those who appointed him under the transition from military rule to democracy—a transition that infamously ended with the annulment of the 1993 presidential election.

In his speech, Yakubu expressed frustration over the lack of acknowledgment for Nwosu’s contributions. He said, “Professor Nwosu did his best, which was not always appreciated by many, including those who appointed him. The electoral commission that conducted the election, personified by Professor Nwosu, received only a muffled commendation—as if no one conducted the election.”

Why Recognition Matters

Let’s break it down: M.K.O. Abiola, the presumed winner of the 1993 election, was posthumously awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) in 2018. It’s a significant honor, and rightly so. But what about the man who ensured the election was fair and credible in the first place? Nwosu’s role in the process has largely gone unrecognized, which is a travesty.

Yakubu is calling on the relevant authorities to rectify this by conferring a posthumous national honor on Nwosu. This isn’t just about giving credit where it’s due; it’s about ensuring that future generations understand the importance of electoral integrity and the individuals who champion it. Nwosu wasn’t just a figure in Nigeria’s history—he was a trailblazer who risked everything to ensure that Nigerians could exercise their democratic rights fairly and transparently.

So, as we move forward, let’s not forget the people who paved the way for the democracy we have today. Prof. Humphrey Nwosu deserves his place in the history books, and it’s high time we gave him the recognition he deserves.