The Ndigbo Cultural Development Organization (NIDO) has labeled the Federal Government’s failure to honor the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), as a “big injustice” to the Igbo nation. The group insists that Nwosu’s pivotal role in the historic June 12, 1993, election, which underpins Nigeria’s Democracy Day, remains unacknowledged.
In a statement issued in Umuahia, NIDO’s Director of Communications and Information, Don Afuluike, emphasized that the narrative of June 12 would be incomplete without recognizing Nwosu’s contributions. “The history of June 12 would not have been possible without the heroic actions of Professor Nwosu,” the statement read, lamenting that many who sacrificed for Nigeria’s return to constitutional governance have been ignored.
NIDO criticized the quality of Nigeria’s democratic journey, pointing to the seven national elections held since 1999 as evidence of a flawed electoral system. “A review of these elections only leads to an assessment of which is worse than the other,” the group stated, highlighting ongoing calls for electoral reforms and amendments to the Electoral Act as signs of systemic failure, fostering public discontent and distrust in Nigeria’s democracy.
The group praised Nwosu’s introduction of the “Option A4” voting system, describing it as Nigeria’s most transparent electoral method to date. They decried the absence of national assets named after him as a glaring injustice to the Igbo people. NIDO also urged the Anambra State Government, Nwosu’s home state, to honor him by naming a major edifice in his memory, warning that failure to do so could deter future electoral officials from serving with courage and patriotism.
As Nigeria prepares to mark Democracy Day, NIDO’s statement calls for reflection on the sacrifices of figures like Nwosu, urging recognition to inspire confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions.
