Does Humphrey Nwosu Deserve To Be Immortalized?

Humphrey Nwosu (2 October 1941 – 20 October 2024) was a Nigerian civil servant and academic who served as the chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). Appointed by President Ibrahim Babangida, he held office from 1989 to 1993 and played a crucial role in Nigeria’s electoral history.

Born on 2 October 1941, Nwosu pursued a career in academia, becoming a professor of political science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Before his tenure at NEC, he was a key figure in governance, serving in the cabinet of Samson Omeruah, the then governor of the old Anambra State. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to empowering traditional rulers by ensuring they received staffs of office, salaries, and assistance in resolving inter-community land disputes.

Additionally, Nwosu chaired the Federal Technical Committee on the application of Civil Service Reforms in the local government service, demonstrating his commitment to improving governance structures in Nigeria. His appointment as NEC chairman in 1989 followed the resignation of his predecessor and mentor, Eme Awa, who stepped down due to disagreements with the Babangida administration.

The 12 June 1993 Elections

Nwosu is best remembered for his role in conducting the historic 12 June 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history. His commission introduced the innovative Option A4 voting system and the Open ballot system, which increased transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

Despite these groundbreaking reforms, the military regime halted the announcement of the election results after Nwosu had released substantial portions of them. Chief Moshood Abiola was widely recognized as the winner of the election, but the results were annulled by the Babangida-led government.

In 2008, Nwosu published a book detailing his account of the election, controversially absolving Babangida of responsibility for the annulment. This claim was met with criticism, as many felt it failed to present an accurate and transparent record of the events surrounding the annulment.

Does He Deserve to Be Immortalized?

The legacy of Humphrey Nwosu remains a topic of debate. While some view him as a hero who conducted a transparent election against significant odds, others believe he played a role in enabling the annulment by not standing more firmly against the military regime. His contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution are undeniable, but the controversy surrounding his actions during the annulment casts a shadow over his legacy.

The push to immortalize him has gained traction among political leaders, particularly those from the South-East, who see him as a symbol of electoral integrity. However, opinions remain divided, as some critics argue that true electoral heroes are those who resisted interference and ensured the democratic process was upheld without compromise.

The Senate’s Current Decision

The Nigerian Senate recently engaged in a heated debate over a motion to honor the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, alongside co-sponsors from the South-East geopolitical zone, championed the motion, emphasizing Nwosu’s role in shaping Nigeria’s democracy.

“Prof. Nwosu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy remain undeniable. Despite the challenges he faced, he conducted an election that remains a reference point in our electoral history. It is only right that this Senate recognizes his role and honors his memory,” Abaribe argued.

However, the motion faced strong opposition. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele raised a procedural concern, arguing that senators had not received copies of the motion, causing a dispute over due process. The presiding Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, deemed the motion controversial, citing the mixed public opinion on Nwosu’s role in the June 12 elections.

When put to a voice vote, the motion was rejected, as the majority ruled in favor of the “nays,” effectively blocking any further action. The rejection sparked frustration among South-East senators, with Abaribe and others questioning the Senate’s reluctance to honor Nwosu. Senator Victor Umeh expressed outrage, slamming his desk in frustration and arguing that the rejection was unjust.

Efforts to revisit the motion through procedural arguments were also overruled. Senate President Godswill Akpabio eventually intervened to calm the tensions, urging lawmakers to approach the issue with unity and respect for history.

Following further deliberations, the Senate deferred a final decision on the motion, referring it to the appropriate committee for review. This move leaves the question of Nwosu’s immortalization open, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Humphrey Nwosu’s legacy is one of both triumph and controversy. While he is credited with conducting Nigeria’s most transparent election, the annulment of that election continues to stir debate about his role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle. The Senate’s decision to reject the motion for his immortalization reflects the deep divide in public perception about his contributions. Whether he will ultimately receive national recognition remains uncertain, but his impact on Nigeria’s electoral history is undeniable.