Torrents of tributes and recollection of fond memories filled the air at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) headquarters, Abuja on 24th March 2025 as retired directors, management and staff of the Commission hosted the family of its former Chairman, Prof Humphrey Nwosu to an Afternoon of Tributes to celebrate the late Nwosu who passed on in October last year., The event was the first of its kind.
The INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu set the tone for the event when he chronicled Nwosu’s contributions and accomplishments during his four-year term as Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). He averred that like his six predecessors and seven successors, Nwosu had what he described as the “arduous task” of managing elections in an extremely challenging context which did not deter him from introducing many innovations in election management. He affirmed that Nwosu laid the foundation for the Commission’s independence by initiating the current three-layer structure with offices at national, state and local government levels
On electoral innovations, the INEC Chairman observed that Nwosu’s tenure became synonymous with the Open Ballot System (popularly referred to as Option A4) in which voters queued up behind the symbol of the party of their choice to vote and to be physically counted.
Prof Yakubu regretted that despite doing his best, the former Chairman was not always appreciated by many, including those that appointed him under “an infinite transition from military rule to democracy which ended in the annulment of the presidential election held in 1993, resulting in the dissolution of the elecrtoral commission and the emergence of an interim government”. But with the passage of time, he said, the 1993 election conducted by the late Nwosu is now celebrated as one of the best while those who annulled it have expressed regret.
Continuing, Prof Yakubu said: “A quarter of a century (25 years) later in June 2018, the presumed winner of the 1993 Presidential election, Chief M. K. O. Abiola, received the highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), posthumously. His running mate, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, was conferred with the second highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). The date of the election (June 12th, 1993) has been gazetted as a national holiday and appropriately named as Democracy Day.
“Sadly, the electoral commission that conducted the election which was personified by Professor Nwosu received only a muffled commendation as if no one conducted the election. Surely, the election did not conduct itself. It was organised by a Commission made up of Commissioners and a Chairman. If it was an oversight that Professor Nwosu was not honoured in his lifetime, it is never late for the appropriate authority to do so posthumously.”
Other tributes flowed from all quarters. Mr. Emmanuel Ademola Johnson, a retired Director and Administrative Secretary in Lagos (1993), remembered Prof. Nwosu as an astute, erudite leader whose openness to innovation birthed the Option A4 system—a mechanism that significantly reduced electoral fraud.
“His name deserves to be etched in gold,” Johnson declared, joining the growing chorus advocating for a posthumous national award. Prof. Tonnie Iredia, the pioneer Director of the Public Affairs Department, painted the picture of a tireless workaholic, while Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, hailed him as an “election warrior”.
James Chidawa, former Chief Personnel Officer for Security and Intelligence, highlighted Prof. Nwosu’s exceptional crisis management skills, while Pastor Regina Omo-Agege, former Director of Election and Party Monitoring Department, remembered him as the rare combination of scholar, patriot, and man of unshakable integrity.
Yet, amid the celebration of achievements, sobering reflections emerged about contemporary challenges. Mr. Victor Aluko, a retired Director of Voter Education, acknowledged INEC’s progress while lamenting how political interference continues to undermine electoral integrity – a betrayal of Nwosu’s legacy. He urged politicians to allow the electoral process flow smoothly without interference.
The human dimension of Prof. Nwosu’s leadership shone through Mallam Halliru Aminu’s recollection of his extraordinary commitment to staff welfare, prioritizing housing and benefits for INEC employees. This human touch complemented his professional achievements, creating a holistic picture of a leader who cared as deeply about people as he did about processes. Dr. Chukwuemeka Ugboaja, a retired Deputy Director in the Voter Education and Publicity Department described Nwosu as “a true hero of democracy,” suggesting that the ultimate tribute would be naming INEC Headquarters after him.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mallam Yusuf Dantalle added a historical perspective, noting how Prof. Nwosu achieved electoral excellence despite operating without the legal framework. He pledged to continue to uphold his vision.
Responding on behalf of the family, Engr. Nnaemeka Nwosu, the late sage’s son, expressed gratitude for the recognition and accolades, while urging INEC staff to have faith in Nigeria’s democratic future. “We must build a Nigeria that the future generations will be proud of,” he said.
