Mr. Peter Obi, the leader of the Labour Party and its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has paid tribute to the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, calling him an extraordinary electoral referee who was willing to risk his life for the sake of democracy.
In a message commemorating Nwosu, who passed away earlier this week, Obi highlighted the late NEC chairman’s principled nature and noted how he applied the values he taught as a political scientist to his electoral responsibilities.
In his tribute titled “In Prof Nwosu, A True Democrat Exits,” shared on his X handle, Obi expressed his sorrow over the loss, stating, “I have just received the heartbreaking news of the death of the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.
“Prof Nwosu was a genuine democrat and an exceptional academic whose deep commitment to democracy was evident in how he executed his duties as an electoral umpire from 1989 to 1993.
“His brave defense of democratic values, even under a regime that did not uphold them, distinguished him as a man willing to sacrifice everything for democracy and good governance.
“For his crucial role in overseeing the 1993 presidential elections, Prof. Nwosu’s legacy will forever resonate in the annals of Nigerian democracy.
“He was a champion of truth in Nigeria, standing firm for democratic ideals at a time when doing so was both precarious and perilous.
“It is unfortunate that the integrity displayed by Prof. Nwosu occurred during a time when the electoral commission lacked legal independence and when vast sums of taxpayer money were not at stake, as is the case today, alongside modern technology.
“As an educator, Prof. Nwosu embodied the principles he taught as a distinguished professor of Political Science, contrasting sharply with the current era where some academics are complicit in electoral fraud, including announcing results without proper verification.
“For the new Nigeria we aspire to create, we need more individuals like Professor Nwosu, who are prepared to risk everything for the cause of democracy.
“I pray that God forgives his earthly shortcomings, grants him eternal peace, and provides comfort to his family and all who cherish democracy during this difficult time.
“May the Almighty bless Nigeria with more leaders like Professor Humphrey Nwosu in future elections.”
