The founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, has made a passionate call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honor Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), for his major role in the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Okorie’s appeal comes as Nigeria reflects on the election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history.
Former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida publicly apologized for annulling the June 12 election. Babangida acknowledged that the election, won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.
“It is tragic that Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the man who conducted the acclaimed June 12 election, has not been appropriately recognized,” Okorie lamented in a statement in Awka.
“Nwosu risked everything, including his life, to ensure the election results were announced, despite intense pressure from the military junta.” he stated
Okorie commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for declaring June 12 as Democracy Day and posthumously honoring Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, with the GCFR and GCON awards, respectively.
However, he expressed disappointment that Nwosu’s name was missing from the honors list.
“Professor Nwosu’s efforts made the June 12 celebration possible,”
“He documented the true results of the election, affirming Abiola’s resounding victory over NRC candidate Bashir Tofa. Yet, while we honor Abiola, we neglect the man who ensured the election was conducted with transparency.” he explained.
Okorie highlighted the irony of Babangida, who annulled the election, now describing it as Nigeria’s fairest in his memoirs.
“Babangida himself acknowledged Nwosu’s integrity in overseeing the process, yet the man remains unsung,”
“The question remains: when will Nigeria produce another electoral umpire like him?”
With Nwosu’s recent passing, Okorie called on President Tinubu to seize the moment and give him a befitting national burial.
“It is now in President Tinubu’s hands to correct this oversight. Naming the INEC headquarters after Professor Nwosu would immortalize his legacy and show the world that Nigeria values its heroes.” he said.
Okorie also pointed out that Tinubu, as the only true democrat to lead Nigeria since Shehu Shagari and Goodluck Jonathan, has a unique opportunity to champion this cause.
“Tinubu’s presidency can set a precedent by recognizing the sacrifices of unsung heroes like Nwosu,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to support the call for a national honor for Nwosu.
“This is not just about Nwosu; it is about preserving the integrity of our democratic history. Professor Nwosu’s name deserves to be etched in gold, alongside the likes of MKO Abiola.” he concluded.
