In an earnest appeal to President Bola Tinubu, Chief Chekwas Okorie, a respected elder statesman, has called for significant national recognition of Professor Humphrey Nwosu's contributions to Nigeria’s electoral integrity. Okorie has suggested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters should bear Nwosu's name, in tribute to his pivotal yet largely unrecognized roles in the nation's democratic journey.

Professor Nwosu played a key role during one of Nigeria’s most momentous elections. As the chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) during the contentious June 12, 1993, presidential election, he bravely announced that the election was won by Chief MKO Abiola, despite mounting political threats and an impending annulment by General Ibrahim Babangida. This period is still marked as one of Nigeria's freest and fairest elections.

Honors Denied and Hopes Renewed

While both MKO Abiola, the declared winner of this historic election, and his running mate Babagana Kingibe were posthumously awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) respectively, Professor Nwosu did not receive similar recognition during his life despite his instrumental role.

Recently, former Head of State, General Babangida, confirmed Abiola's victory in his memoirs, further cementing Nwosu’s actions as fundamental to the democratic process. Though Abiola's victory was acknowledged with high honors posthumously, Professor Nwosu's efforts remained overlooked until his passing, stirring a renewed call for justice for Nwosu's legacy.

Chekwas Okorie highlights that Professor Nwosu's integrity and unwavering courage were foundational to Nigeria’s progression towards democracy. Even in the face of threats to his life and substantial political pressure, he remained steadfast, documenting the election's true outcomes, which Babangida’s memoirs later confirmed as genuine.

To honor his enduring legacy, Okorie has formally urged Tinubu not only to bestow this honor on Nwosu but also to offer a national burial befitting his contributions. Naming the INEC headquarters after him would be a significant step, aligning with the prior decision by President Muhammadu Buhari to declare June 12 as Democracy Day.

Okorie's appeal seeks to ensure that Professor Nwosu’s bravery and service do not fade into obscurity but rather become a celebrated part of Nigeria’s journey towards establishing true democracy. Such acts of recognition are crucial for preserving and celebrating the history of electoral integrity in the nation.