Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State, has expressed his sorrow over the passing of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), who died at the age of 83. Prof. Nwosu was responsible for conducting the 1993 general elections, which were later annulled by former head of State Ibrahim Babangida.
In a statement released on Thursday, Obi, who was the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, lauded Prof. Nwosu as a true democrat who fulfilled his duties with courage and integrity.
His statement reads: “A True Democrat Has Departed.
I am saddened by the news of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu’s passing. He was a genuine democrat and an exceptional academic whose dedication to democracy was exemplified in his conduct as an electoral umpire from 1989 to 1993. His fearless defense of democratic ideals, even under a repressive government, showcased his readiness to sacrifice for democracy and good governance.
Prof. Nwosu’s essential role during the 1993 presidential elections ensures that his name will forever be etched in the annals of Nigerian democracy. He stood for truth in times when doing so was perilous. It is regrettable that the integrity he exhibited while leading the electoral commission—when it lacked legal independence and substantial funding—could not be replicated in today’s democratic environment, which should be more robust.
As an academic, Prof. Nwosu embodied the principles he taught as a distinguished Political Science professor, markedly different from today, where some academics are complicit in electoral fraud, including endorsing unverified election results. For the new Nigeria we aspire to create, the country needs more individuals like Prof. Nwosu, who are willing to fight for democracy.
I pray that God forgives his earthly failures, grants him eternal rest, and provides solace to his family and all those who cherish democracy in their time of grief. May God bless Nigeria with more leaders like Professor Humphrey Nwosu in future elections. A new Nigeria is indeed possible.” – Peter Obi
