Former NEC Chairman, Humphrey Nwosu, Dies At 83

Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who chaired the National Electoral Commission (NEC) from 1989 to 1993, has died at the age of 83.

The NEC is now recognised as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Born on October 2, 1941, Nwosu passed away in a hospital in Virginia, USA.

He was appointed by the then-military leader Ibrahim Babangida and was responsible for overseeing the historic June 12, 1993 election, which is regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.

In that pivotal presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party emerged victorious against Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention.

Nwosu’s tenure was marked by the introduction of innovative voting systems, including Option A4 and the Open Ballot system.

Although his commission announced numerous election results, Nwosu was subsequently ordered by the Babangida regime to cease further announcements.

In July 2024, the House of Representatives called on President Bola Tinubu to honour Nwosu for his significant contribution to conducting what is widely considered the most credible election in Nigeria’s post-independence history.