At about midday on Thursday October 24, 2024, the name of Professor Humphrey Nwosu trended on many social media platforms. The highly-respected professor of political science had passed away at 83.

Nwosu was a very passionate lecturer at the Political Science Department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for most of his active working life before his appointment as the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, NEC, in 1989 by General Ibrahim Babangida threw him into the national and international limelight. He preached for his students to “go out there” and change the corrupt and broken system to save Nigeria from doom.

Those who knew him as a classroom “evangelist” were not surprised when he brought the same quality and strategy to his work at the electoral umpire. Babangida, who stood out as a leader with a special fondness for university eggheads, popularised the trend of appointing university professors as the heads of the Electoral Commission. He  brought in Nwosu when Professor Eme Awa was removed.

Nwosu, along with Professor Jerry Gana at the Mass Mobilisation for Social Justice and Economic Recovery, MAMSER, brilliantly carried the torch of Babangida’s Transition to Civil Rule programme. This resulted in the avowed freest, fairest and most peaceful election where Nigerians overcame the demons of ethnic and religious bigotry and voted Chief Moshood Abiola, the candidate of the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP, as their president. Sadly, Babangida annulled it.

Nwosu’s NEC formulated the “Option A4” open ballot system whereby electors queued in front of the photos of their preferred candidates. Counting and collation were done in public glare and results announced. This method eliminated doubts and minimised violence. Nwosu practised what he preached in the classroom, refused to compromise and was removed from office after the annulment.

However, on June 13, 2008, the Professor came to a public event and formally announced the result, confirming Abiola as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Unfortunately, university professors have failed to uphold the legacy of patriotism, transparency, fearlessness and refusal to compromise since 2007 when they have been exclusively honoured with the duty of umpiring elections. While Nwosu mobilised Nigerians for free, fair and peaceful elections, the professors at our INEC have settled for compromise with politicians, pushing Nigerians towards losing faith in democracy.

Born on October 2, 1943 at Ajalli in Orumba LGA of Anambra State, Nwosu was a Commissioner in the cabinet of Military Governor of old Anambra State, Air Commodore Samson Omeruah. He was also Chairman of a federal technical committee on application of civil service reforms in local government.

Nwosu died in Virginia, USA three weeks after his 83rd birthday. His legendary record at the NEC is waiting to be equalled. He will be remembered for bringing out the best in Nigerians and our democracy.