Citypost News Desk
The Anambra State Chairman of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Hon. Chukwujiokem Okeke, has called on Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to immortalize the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, a distinguished academic and former chairman of Nigeria’s electoral commission.
Hon. Okeke made this appeal on Friday while commemorating the passing of Prof. Nwosu, describing him as the most outstanding chairman in the history of Nigeria’s electoral process. He stressed that the legacy of the late professor remains deeply tied to Nigeria’s democratic evolution, particularly the landmark June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was annulled despite being widely considered the freest and fairest in the nation’s history.
According to Okeke, Prof. Nwosu’s selfless contributions to democracy deserve more than just historical recognition. He argued that the concerns raised by the annulment of the June 12 election cannot be fully addressed unless the principal architect of that democratic milestone is given a befitting place in Nigeria’s history.
“Immortalizing Prof. Nwosu is not just about honouring his legacy but also about setting a precedent that will encourage present and future leaders to uphold democratic values with courage and integrity,” Okeke stated.
To this end, the APP Chairman urged Governor Soludo to consider naming the Amansea-Ndiukwuenu-Ufuma road after the late electoral chief, while awaiting the federal government’s response to calls in that regards, emphasizing that such a gesture would serve as an enduring tribute to his contributions to electoral reforms and nation-building.
“Renaming a significant road after Prof. Nwosu would inspire generations to come and reinforce the importance of credible elections in sustaining democracy,” he added.
Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, a native of Anambra State, served as the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) from 1989 to 1993. His introduction of the Option A4 voting system and his commitment to electoral transparency earned him widespread recognition. Despite the annulment of the June 12 election, his efforts remain a reference point in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The call for his immortalization has been echoed by political analysts and democracy advocates who believe that his impact on Nigeria’s electoral process should not be forgotten. Whether Governor Soludo will heed this call remains to be seen, but the push to honour Prof. Nwosu continues to gain traction among political and civil society groups.
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