The apex Socio-cultural Organization of the Igbos, otherwise known as Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on the President Bola Tinubu to immortalize Professor Humphrey Nwosu posthumously.
Nwosu was the chairman of the electoral body that conducted the June 12, 1993 election that presumably saw the emergence of MKO Abiola as president election but wasn’t sworn in as president because the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd) did not allow the presidential election result to be declared.
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Omenazu Jackson, said: “Professor Nwosu’s stewardship in the June 12, 1993 elections is unparalleled, as he orchestrated what remains the most credible, transparent, and peaceful electoral process in Nigeria’s democratic revolutionary history.
“It was during the June 12 election that late Chief Moshood Abiola emerged as the acclaimed victor, a truth that was subsequently recognized by both former President Muhammadu Buhari and the current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who proclaimed June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria.
To honour late Chief Abiola while neglecting late Professor Nwosu is not merely hypocritical; it is an act that perpetuates the systemic marginalization of the Ndigbo and reinforces the oppressive cycles that began with the events of 1966.
“The continued refusal to acknowledge the sacrifices made by Professor Nwosu and others like Ernest S. Ikoli; that great journalist who used pen to outrun the colonists out of Nigeria, is an affront to the ideals of democracy and unity, fairness and justice.
“Until our social and civic relationship in Nigeria is deepened into oneness of heart and one nationhood, finding an egalitarian society where all will live in true harmony will utterly be a mirage.
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We extend our deepest appreciation to the Southeast senators and their allies who demonstrated integrity and courage by staging a walkout on March 27, 2025, in protest against the Senate’s decision to truncate the bill that sought to enshrine Professor Nwosu’s legacy by renaming the INEC headquarters after him.
“The responsibility to honour such icon falls squarely upon the Executive. Thus, we urgently call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our Southeast governors to rise above partisan politics and collectively resolve to immortalize Professor Humphrey Nwosu.
“This crucial act would not only restore the integrity of our political landscape but also reaffirm our shared narrative—a narrative that recognizes the contributions of all who have fought and sacrificed for the democratic ideals we cherish and must uphold.
“In conclusion, the immortalization of Professor Nwosu is not merely a tribute to one individual’s legacy but a necessary correction toward healing the historical divides that continue to plague our nation.
“It is a powerful statement of unity and resilience against the forces that have sought to silence the Igbo voice. We invite all Nigerians to join us in this noble cause, as we demand acknowledgment of our history and the valiant efforts of those who paved the way for our democracy.”
