By Abraham Amah
The 1993 presidential election, which saw Chief MKO Abiola emerge as the clear winner, remains a watershed in Nigeria’s democratic journey. That historic poll, universally acclaimed as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s electoral history, was made possible by the integrity, innovation, and courage of one man—Professor Humphrey Nwosu—and the electoral body he led.
It is both baffling and deeply concerning that more than three decades later, the nation is yet to appropriately recognize or immortalize the man who midwifed that democratic milestone. How can we celebrate June 12 as Democracy Day and conveniently sideline the umpire who, against all odds, ensured that the will of the Nigerian people was transparently and credibly expressed?
Prof. Nwosu and his National Electoral Commission had already released the results of 29 out of the 30 states before the military high command, in a most unfortunate and undemocratic act, abruptly halted the process. To accuse him of any shortcomings is not only unfair—it is historically inaccurate and morally indefensible. The fact that the election remains the gold standard of electoral credibility in Nigeria stands as a resounding validation of his leadership and commitment to fairness.
To continue suppressing his immortalization is to participate in the continued marginalization of Ndigbo, a people whose contributions to the unity and progress of Nigeria are often overlooked or minimized. This silence, whether deliberate or circumstantial, represents yet another layer of exclusion that undermines the spirit of inclusion and justice needed for true national cohesion.
We must ask ourselves: Who is afraid of immortalizing Prof. Humphrey Nwosu? What exactly is the reason for this inexplicable reluctance to give honor where it is due? Recognizing his role does not diminish others; instead, it strengthens the moral foundation of our democracy. Justice must never be selective.
It is commendable that distinguished Senators like Austen Akobundu, and Osita Izunaso have boldly spoken truth to power by rightly capturing the historical perspective and relevance of Prof. Nwosu in the June 12 narrative. Their voices are echoes of the collective conscience of Nigerians who yearn for a country where merit, truth, and justice are not sacrificed on the altar of politics.
The Senate and National Assembly must act with courage and clarity. They must revisit this issue and recommend decisive action. The hallowed chambers of the legislature must be a theater of reason, not a stage for the orchestration of the politics of marginalization.
Beyond legislative action, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—a direct beneficiary of the democratic struggle rooted in June 12—must take the necessary executive action to immortalize Prof. Humphrey Nwosu. It remains the right thing to do, and this is the right time to do it.
We cannot keep postponing justice. The unity of Nigeria depends on acts of fairness, historical honesty, and inclusion. We cannot claim to build a strong, united Nigeria while deliberately ignoring or suppressing the legacy of a man who played a central role in our democratic evolution.
Let the Federal Government act now. Let Prof. Humphrey Nwosu be immortalized—for truth, for justice, for unity, and for history.
Elder Amah, a frequent commentator on national issues writes from Umuahia, Abia State
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