An Igbo socio-cultural group, the Ndigbo Cultural Development Organization (NIDO), has decried what it described as a glaring injustice against the Igbo nation in the continued celebration of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day without due recognition of the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC).
In a statement released in Umuahia and signed by Don Afuluike, Director of Communications and Information for NIDO, the group emphasized that the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election — widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest — would not have been possible without the pivotal role played by Professor Nwosu.
“The history of June 12 is incomplete without acknowledging the heroic contributions of Professor Humphrey Nwosu,” the statement read. “It is a deep injustice that the Federal Government continues to honour this day while ignoring the man who made it possible through courage, innovation, and integrity.”
NIDO expressed regret that despite the sacrifices made by Nwosu and others in paving the way for constitutional democracy, successive governments have failed to recognize or immortalize them. The group described Nwosu’s introduction of the “Option A4” voting system as Nigeria’s most transparent electoral process and said it remains unmatched in the country’s democratic history.
“As Nigeria observes the day, it is an opportunity to reflect on the gains and pains of today’s democratic governance, built on the foundations laid by pioneers like Nwosu,” the statement said. “Yet, our electoral process has consistently deteriorated across the seven election cycles of 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.”
The group criticized the quality of elections under different electoral commissions, describing each as worse than the last in terms of credibility and fairness. It cited the persistent push for electoral reform and frequent amendments to the Electoral Act as proof of a deeply flawed system that continues to erode public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
NIDO also condemned the absence of any national asset named in honour of Professor Nwosu, calling it a deliberate sidelining of his legacy. It called on the Federal Government to immediately recognize the late professor’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy by immortalizing him.
In addition, the group urged the Anambra State Government, Nwosu’s home state, to take the lead in honouring their illustrious son. “If nothing is done to acknowledge his legacy, future electoral officials may lack the courage and patriotic zeal that defined Nwosu’s tenure,” the statement warned.
NIDO concluded by stating that recognising true heroes of democracy, regardless of ethnic background, is essential for building a more inclusive and just Nigeria.
