The late former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (now the Independent National Electoral Commission), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Nwosu, known for conducting the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election that was later annulled by the military government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, was buried on Friday in a ceremony attended by prominent political figures, state governors, and other dignitaries. The 83-year-old had passed away in a U.S. hospital on October 24, 2024.
During the funeral, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, revealed that the five governors of the South-East region plan to meet with President Bola Tinubu to push for a national honor for Nwosu. This announcement comes just a day after the Nigerian Senate declined to recognize the late professor for his role in shaping the country’s democracy.
Soludo stated, “We must learn to change our style and devise a style of dialogue to get what we need from the government at the centre and not through fighting and attacks. For us in Anambra and the Old Aguata Union, made up of the forty-five communities in the three local government areas, we shall honour and celebrate our son. After the funeral, we the South-East governors would meet with the President over the national honour to our brother, and we are sure that he will grant us that request.”
Representing President Tinubu at the funeral, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, spoke about Nwosu’s significant impact on Nigeria’s democratic process. He noted that Tinubu deeply respected the late professor’s contributions and hinted that the government was considering the family’s requests.
Umahi said, “Mr President has so much value for our brother Prof. Humphrey Nwosu and in his message, we are celebrating him for his profound contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, and we shall continue to cherish him and his achievements.”
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, also acknowledged Nwosu’s legacy, stating that Nigeria was honoring a man who played a crucial role in modern democracy.
Otti said, “Nigeria is celebrating an icon of our democracy and that is why I came to join my brother Prof Chukwuma Soludo to honour this great Nigerian who wrote his name in the sand of time.”
During his sermon, the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samurai Ezeofor, expressed disappointment over the state of Nigeria, noting that leaders like Nwosu, who could have transformed the country, were often sidelined. He criticized the current political system, lamenting the loss of integrity in governance and the education sector.
The funeral also witnessed strong reactions to comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who allegedly suggested that Nwosu played a role in annulling the June 12 election. Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma dismissed Oshiomhole’s statement, calling it “nonsensical” and pointing out that former military ruler Babangida had already admitted to being responsible for the annulment.
Chukwuma added, “Until Nigerians apologize to Late Abiola and Late Humphrey Nwosu, their spirits will not rest. Whether you honour Prof Humphrey Nwosu or not, we shall honour our own brother.”
Among the high-profile attendees were Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, and Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central District. The event was a testament to Nwosu’s influence and the widespread respect he commanded across the political spectrum.
