LAGOS, Nigeria — Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has paid tribute to Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the late chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), lauding him as a courageous defender of democracy willing to risk his life for Nigeria’s democratic ideals. Nwosu, who presided over Nigeria’s electoral body from 1989 to 1993, passed away this week.
In a statement on Saturday, Obi described Nwosu as “a true democrat” and “an outstanding academician,” whose tenure as an electoral umpire during Nigeria’s pivotal 1993 presidential elections was marked by integrity and bravery.
“Prof Nwosu was a true Democrat, an outstanding academician whose love for democracy and its values was copiously demonstrated in the way and manner he carried out his responsibilities as an electoral umpire,” Obi stated. “His courageous defense of democratic principles, even under a non-democratic government, put him out as a man who was ready even to sacrifice his life for the sake of democracy and good governance.”
Obi lamented the contrast between Nwosu’s era and contemporary Nigerian elections, saying it was “disheartening” that the transparency Nwosu demonstrated without legal independence or advanced technology has not been replicated in today’s electoral systems. He praised Nwosu’s academic integrity, noting that he brought the values he taught as a professor of Political Science into his work, unlike “these days when professors are procured to aid electoral malpractices, including announcing results of elections they did not verify.”
Reflecting on the legacy of the 1993 elections Nwosu presided over, Obi said, “For his pivotal role… Prof. Nwosu’s name will remain indelible in the history of Nigerian democracy.”
He concluded by calling for leaders with Nwosu’s integrity to emerge, saying, “For the new Nigeria we desire, the country needs more of Professor Nwosu, who will risk their lives for democracy.”
Obi extended his condolences to Nwosu’s family and those who mourn his loss, praying for eternal repose for Nwosu’s soul.
