The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has strongly advocated for the immortalization of the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), citing his pivotal role in conducting the June 12, 1993, Presidential election, which is widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. Adams argued that Nwosu’s dedication and integrity in ensuring the election’s fairness ultimately led to the recognition of the late MKO Abiola’s mandate, even though the government at the time failed to install him as president.
Adams called for Nwosu to be honored in the same way as Abiola, who was posthumously recognized by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018. He suggested that a monument be named after Nwosu as a lasting tribute to his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic process. According to Adams, this would set a positive example for future INEC chairmen, emphasizing honesty and transparency in organizing elections.
The Senate, however, rejected a motion to immortalize Nwosu for the second time, instead opting to observe a minute of silence in his honor. This decision sparked heated debates on the floor of the Upper Legislative Chamber, with Southeast senators staging a walkout in protest. Adams criticized the Senate’s stance, particularly pointing out that the refusal to immortalize Nwosu was unjust, and described it as an act of “self-centeredness” on the part of some Yoruba leaders. He emphasized that Nwosu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy should not be overlooked and that denying him the honor he deserved would be a disservice to the nation.
Adams further stressed that Nwosu’s spirit would not be pleased with how the country is handling the recognition of his contributions, highlighting the importance of acknowledging those who have played significant roles in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.