Senate rejects proposal to rename INEC headquarters after late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu

The Senate on Thursday voted against a motion to rename the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in honor of the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC).

Nwosu supervised the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was later annulled.

The motion, reintroduced by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, also suggested awarding Nwosu a posthumous national honor for his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic progress. However, the proposal led to a heated debate among lawmakers, with differing opinions on whether Nwosu deserved to be immortalized.

Senator Osita Ngwu acknowledged that Nwosu worked under a military government, which prevented him from announcing the election results. Despite this limitation, Ngwu insisted that Nwosu should still be recognized as a hero.

“There was no way he would have announced the results with a gun to his head. That doesn’t change the fact that some of us see him as a hero,” Ngwu said, highlighting the difficult situation Nwosu faced.

However, other senators strongly opposed the motion, questioning Nwosu’s legacy because he failed to declare the election results.

Senator Austin Akobundu criticized this rejection, calling it “most uncharitable” and arguing that Nwosu deserved national recognition.

On the other hand, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim dismissed the proposal, asking why the Senate should honor someone who did not complete his duty.

“Nothing should be named after him,” Ibrahim firmly stated.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi also opposed the motion, emphasizing that history rewards outcomes, not just efforts.

“As long as he did not announce the result, whether under duress or not, I am against naming INEC headquarters after him,” Fasuyi said.

Similarly, Senator Sunday Karimi criticized Nwosu for lacking the courage to act under pressure. Senator Afolabi Salisu argued that honoring Nwosu would diminish the legacy of MKO Abiola, the widely recognized winner of the annulled election.

“Any attempt to do anything beyond a one-minute silence is to rubbish Abiola’s legacy,” Salisu stated.

After a long and intense discussion, the Senate ultimately rejected the motion. Instead, they agreed to observe a one-minute silence in Nwosu’s honor and extend condolences to his family, but they declined to rename the INEC headquarters or grant him national honors.