The Nigerian Senate has rejected a motion seeking to rename the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), who oversaw the controversial June 12, 1993, presidential election.
The motion, reintroduced by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on Thursday, was met with strong opposition from lawmakers who debated Nwosu’s legacy and his role in Nigeria’s democratic history.
While Abaribe urged the Senate to honor Nwosu posthumously for his contributions to Nigeria’s electoral system, some senators argued that he failed to announce the 1993 election results due to military pressure, making him unworthy of such recognition.
Senator Osita Ngwu defended Nwosu, stating that he was operating under a dictatorship and had no choice but to comply with the regime’s orders. However, others, including Senators Jimoh Ibrahim and Cyril Fasuyi, insisted that history only rewards results, not efforts.
Senator Afolabi Salisu further argued that naming INEC’s headquarters after Nwosu would diminish the legacy of MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled election.
Following a heated debate, the Senate rejected the motion through a voice vote. However, lawmakers agreed to observe a one-minute silence in Nwosu’s honor and extend condolences to his family.
