- Professor Nwosu oversaw Nigeria’s June 12, 1993 election, hailed as the freest and fairest
- Humphrey Nwosu served as Chairman of the National Electoral Commission from 1989 to 1993
- TheRadar compiled facts about the esteemed political scientist as he reportedly passed away at 84
Tragic news of the passing of Professor Humphrey Nwosu who conducted the June 12 election, annulled by Ibrahim Babangida broke earlier today, October 24.
Nwosu held the position of Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) from 1989 to 1993, an organisation now referred to as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He reportedly died in a hospital in Virginia, the United States of America at the age of 84 on Thursday, October 24, leaving behind a significant legacy in Nigeria’s electoral history.
8 facts about Humphrey Nwosu
Here are eight facts about the distinguished political scientist as he reportedly passed away:
1. Early life
Nwosu was born on October 2, 1941, in Ajalli, located in the Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
2. Academic achievements
Nwosu completed his studies in political science at the University of California, Berkeley, obtaining a Master's degree in 1973 and a doctoral degree in 1976, both with Magna Cum Laude distinction. Afterwards, he returned to Nigeria and took a teaching position at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, eventually becoming a full professor.
3. Innovations in electoral process
The professor of Political Science, Nwosu, introduced several innovations to the nation's electoral process. Among these was Nwosu's implementation of the innovative Option A4 voting system and the Open ballot system.
4. Public service
He served in the cabinet of Samson Omeruah, the governor of the former Anambra State, from 1985 to 1987. During this time, he assisted traditional rulers in obtaining staff of office, securing salaries, and resolving land disputes both within and between communities.
5. Chairman of FEDECO
After his predecessor and former mentor, Eme Awa, resigned due to a disagreement with Ibrahim Babangida, he was appointed chairman of the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) in 1989.
6. June 12 election
Nwosu oversaw the June 12, 1993 election, regarded as Nigeria's freest and fairest to date. The presidential election was won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, commonly known as MKO, who represented the Social Democratic Party and defeated Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention.
7. Authorship
Nwosu published a book in 2008 called “Laying the Foundation for Nigeria's Democracy: My Account of the June 12, 1993, Presidential Election and Its Annulment,” claiming that Babangida was not to blame for the election’s annulment.
8. Recent recognition
In July 2024, the House of Representatives acknowledged Nwosu's significant role in the nation's politics and called on President Bola Tinubu to immortalise him.
They advocated for this recognition due to his conduct of the election, which was regarded as the freest and most credible since Nigeria gained independence.
Revisiting the impact of Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist Maiyegun
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nojim Maiyegun passed away at the age of 83, leaving a lasting legacy as a pioneer and inspiration in athletics.
Maiyegun was Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist, won bronze in boxing at the age of 23 in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.