The family of the former chairman of Nigeria’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) Prof. Humphrey Nwosu has announced his death.
They confirmed in a statement on Friday that Nwosu died on October 20, 2024, following a brief illness.
“With a profound sense of sadness and deep grief, the family of distinguished Professor Humphrey Nwosu announces his death,” the statement said.
“He served as Chairman of Nigeria’s National Electoral Commission from 1989 to 1993 and remains a hero to millions for his pivotal role in laying the democratic foundation of the country.”
Nwosu’s leadership of NEC, now Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), included the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election widely regarded as Nigeria’s most credible election.
His distinguished academic career included degrees in political science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the University of California, Berkeley where he achieved first class honours and Magna Cum Laude distinctions.
The statement said he was not only a dedicated family man, loving husband, father and grandfather but also as a generous community leader.
They said he was known as “oka ome” in his hometown of Ajalli in Anambra State and was celebrated for his philanthropy and community development efforts.
Nwosu is survived by his wife of 55 years, Stella Nwosu, their four children, six grandchildren and extended family.
The statement added that funeral arrangements will be announced soon.