The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called for a posthumous national honor for the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, recognizing his pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s electoral system.
Speaking at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, Yakubu paid tribute to Nwosu, who passed away in October 2024, highlighting his immense contributions to the country’s democratic process.
Yakubu emphasized that Nwosu, who served as INEC chairman from 1989 to 1993, was instrumental in implementing groundbreaking electoral reforms, including the Option A4 voting system and the Open Ballot System—two innovations that significantly enhanced election credibility.
1993 Election: A Testament to Electoral Integrity
Under Nwosu’s leadership, the 1993 presidential election is widely considered one of the most transparent and credible polls in Nigeria’s history. Despite its annulment, historians and political analysts continue to regard it as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
Yakubu acknowledged that, although the presumed winner of the election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was posthumously awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) in 2018, the electoral commission and Nwosu himself have not received adequate national recognition for their roles in conducting the election.
“The electoral commission, represented by Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, only received a muffled commendation, as though no one conducted that election,” Yakubu remarked.
Call for National Recognition
Given Nwosu’s legacy in advancing Nigeria’s democratic process, Yakubu urged relevant authorities to officially recognize his contributions through a posthumous national honor.
His call aligns with previous advocacy efforts pushing for electoral figures to be recognized for their role in deepening democracy in Nigeria.
For further insights into Nigeria’s electoral history and reforms, read this comprehensive analysis by The Electoral Knowledge Network
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