The Nigerian Senate has officially dismissed a motion seeking to rename the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in honour of the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s electoral history.
The motion, which was put forward by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, aimed to recognize Nwosu’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Nwosu, who served as the chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), oversaw the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as the most transparent in Nigeria’s history. However, the election was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, denying Chief Moshood Abiola his victory.
During the Senate plenary session, Abaribe passionately argued that Nwosu’s role in shaping Nigeria’s electoral process deserved institutional recognition. He contended that renaming INEC’s headquarters after him would serve as a symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and electoral integrity.
Despite Abaribe’s advocacy, the proposal faced strong opposition, with several senators questioning the need for such a move. Critics argued that while Nwosu played an essential role in Nigeria’s electoral history, many other individuals had also contributed significantly to the nation’s democratic journey. Some lawmakers expressed concerns that renaming public institutions after historical figures should follow a more structured and inclusive process rather than being determined by individual motions.
After extensive deliberations, the Senate voted against the motion, effectively putting an end to the proposal. The decision has sparked mixed reactions from political analysts and civil society organizations, some of whom believe Nwosu’s contributions deserve national recognition.
Despite the rejection, the debate has reignited discussions on how Nigeria should honor those who have played pivotal roles in the country’s political and electoral development.