Senator Adams Oshiomhole has expressed strong opposition to any posthumous recognition for the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

Oshiomhole’s stance is rooted in his belief that Nwosu failed Nigerians by not officially declaring the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.

During a Senate debate on Thursday, Oshiomhole accused Nwosu and former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida of deceiving the 18 million Nigerians who voted in the historic election. He emphasized that Nwosu had the opportunity to set the record straight after Nigeria’s return to democracy but failed to do so.

Oshiomhole argued that true courage would have meant announcing Abiola’s victory despite the risks, and since Nwosu failed to do so, he should not be celebrated. This stance was in response to a motion sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), which sought to recognize Nwosu’s role in Nigeria’s democratic transition.

The South East Caucus in the Senate has condemned the rejection of the motion, with Senator Abaribe urging President Bola Tinubu to honor Nwosu by naming the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Maitama after him.