By Jude Opara
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with the Prof. Humphrey Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights organized the annual June 12 commemoration lecture in honour of the late Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NWC), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, in recognition of his integrity and national service in conducting the June 12, 1993 election which has continued to be adjudged as the most freest and fairest election in the history of Nigeria.
The event which attracted members of the political class, traditional institutions, the armed forces and members of the Diplomatic Corps equally witnessed the formal unveiling of the Prof. Humphrey Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu said the NHRC as an institution established the annual lecture to preserve and advance Prof. Nwosu’s democratic legacy of laying the foundation for Nigeria’s modern Democracy.
Ojukwu added that the event is not only about the commemoration lecture, but also a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by courageous Nigerians, including prof. Nwosu, the Abiola family and the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the struggle for democracy.
“June 12 remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey because it symbolizes the collective aspiration of Nigerians for free choice, national unity, transparency, accountability, and justice in governance.
“The theme for this year’s lecture, “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria,” could not be more appropriate than now when the right to participate in electoral processes is under threat, when the Country will be going into another General Election cycle early next year”.
He added that the lecture is expected to contribute meaningfully towards the strengthening electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections and beyond by encouraging informed national dialogue, voter sensitization, institutional accountability, and democratic participation across the country.
“The collaboration between the National Human Rights Commission and the Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights is both strategic and timely. It is founded on shared ideals and a common vision for a democratic society governed by justice, accountability, inclusion, and respect for the right to participate and assemble and to vote and be voted for”.
In his keynote, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr. Femi Falana who gave some account of events of 1993 praised Prof. Nwosu for his integrity, courage and strength of character in conducting the elections, despite the threats and intimidations he received from the then military government laws by General Ibrahim Babangida.
Falana who described Nwosu as part of the beacons of democracy in Nigeria said Babangida was never interested in handing over power to the civilians, but only wanted to transmute to a life president.
“We knew even before 1993 that Babangida was not sincere with the transition programme. He wanted to transmute to a life president.
“When Prof. Nwosu insisted in holding the election, the military after every effort to stop it failed warned him that he would be held responsible if there was any breakdown of law and order in any part of the country.
“He conducted a credible election described as the fairway and freest ever in the country. The military government in frustration after the election got the FCT Chief Judge, Mohammed Salem to stop the announcement of the result of the election. That was where we all got tired.
“When we are celebrating Nwosu we have to get back to where we are coming from. He faced a lot of harassment and threats, but he stood firm and I want to say that when the book of those who really fought for democracy, his place is assured”.
In his remarks, the Co-founder and President of the Humphrey Nwosu Centre, Engr. Nnaemeka Nwosu said the Centre is dedicated to advancing democratic values and serving Nigeria.
Engr. Nwosu, who is also the son of Late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu added that the Centre is more than a tribute to his father, but a promise that the values his father stood for– integrity, transparency, courage and service.
Also in her goodwill message, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Beni Lar advised politicians to always remember that power comes from the people who voted for them.
