The Senate South East Caucus has called on President Bola Tinubu to honour the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu by naming the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters after him.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe highlighted Nwosu’s role as chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC) during the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest. He noted that Nwosu laid the foundation for the present-day INEC headquarters before the military dissolved the commission in 1993.
Abaribe argued that Nwosu’s defiance of a court order to halt the election was a crucial act that shaped Nigeria’s democratic history. He expressed confidence that, even if the current administration does not honour him, future governments will recognize his contributions, just as Abiola and June 12 were eventually acknowledged.
However, the Senate rejected a motion by Abaribe urging the executive to name the INEC headquarters after Nwosu. Lawmakers were divided over the proposal, with some, including Adams Oshiomhole, arguing that Nwosu failed to announce the election results, which led to political unrest and loss of lives. Others, such as Victor Umeh and Yahaya Abdullahi, supported the call for recognition, emphasizing his role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Despite rejecting the motion, the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the late electoral chief.
