Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who served as Chairman of the then National Electoral Commission (NEC) from 1989 to 1993, has passed away. Appointed by the then military dictator, General Ibrahim Babangida, Nwosu oversaw the election that many still regard as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history.

In that presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) triumphed over Bashir Tofa of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC). Nwosu’s commission introduced the novel Option A4 voting system and the Open ballot system.

Despite his efforts, Nwosu was forced to halt the release of the election results by the Babangida regime before the final tally could be announced. In July 2024, the House of Representatives called on President Bola Tinubu to immortalise Nwosu. Nwosu’s commission introduced the innovative Option A4 voting system and the Open Ballot system