Senate Rejects Motion to Honor Late NEC Chairman Humphrey Nwosu

On March 26, 2025, the Nigerian Senate rejected a motion to immortalize the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), who oversaw the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia South) introduced the motion under Senate Orders 41 and 51, but it faced opposition and was ultimately dismissed during the plenary session presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.

Senator Abaribe expressed his frustration, questioning the controversy surrounding the motion.

"Mr President, I don't see what is controversial about immortalizing Humphrey Nwosu."

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele argued that Abaribe did not adhere to proper procedures, noting that the timeframe for matters of urgent public importance had elapsed. He suggested that Abaribe reintroduce the motion formally on the next legislative day through a substantive motion.

This development comes amid broader calls to honor Professor Nwosu for his contributions to Nigeria's democratic process. The Coalition for the Immortalisation of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu recently urged the Federal Government to confer a national honor upon him, emphasizing his role in conducting the 1993 election.

Additionally, the current Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, advocated for posthumous recognition of Nwosu, stating that Nigeria has not adequately acknowledged his efforts. Yakubu highlighted Nwosu's innovations in election management, including the introduction of the Option A4 voting system.

Professor Humphrey Nwosu passed away on October 24, 2024, at the age of 83, and is scheduled to be buried on March 28, 2025.