Humphrey Nwosu: He failed Nigerians, should not immortalised – Senator Zam

Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North-West Senatorial District, has opposed calls for a posthumous recognition of the late former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, stating that he failed in his service to Nigeria.

His remarks follow a tribute by the current INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who had called for national recognition for Nwosu, highlighting his contributions to Nigeria’s electoral process, including the introduction of the Option A4 voting system and the Open Ballot System during his tenure from 1989 to 1993.

Nwosu, who passed away in October 2024, had been widely credited with overseeing what many describe as Nigeria’s most credible election on June 12, 1993. However, Senator Zam argued that he did not live up to expectations.

“This issue has generated a lot of interest, not just because of the personality involved, but because INEC, as a critical institution in democracy, will always attract scrutiny,” Zam stated.

He criticized Nwosu’s performance, arguing that as a professor of political science, he should have ensured a credible election or resigned if faced with obstacles.

“A professor of political science heading INEC should have delivered results. If the circumstances were unfavorable, he could have resigned. He did not, which means he accepted the responsibility but failed,” he added.

Zam maintained that Nwosu did not fulfill his mandate in national service and, therefore, does not deserve posthumous recognition.