Ogun West Senator Speaks Out: Nwosu Doesn’t Deserve Recognition For June 12, 1993

Sen. Solomon Adeola Takes a Stand Against Honoring Late Humphrey Nwosu

Sen. Solomon Adeola, representing Ogun West, has boldly voiced his opposition to honoring the late Humphrey Nwosu, former National Electoral Commission (NEC) Chairman, among the celebrated heroes of the historic June 12, 1993 election. This election is widely regarded as the most democratic in Nigeria's history, yet it remains a contentious topic due to its annulment by the military government at the time.

Naija News reported that the Senate, during a Thursday session, rejected a motion to immortalize Nwosu, following its dismissal in the previous day’s plenary session. The motion, which aimed to recognize Nwosu for his role in the election, was sponsored by notable figures such as Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Senator Abba Moro. The failure of this motion sparked a dramatic reaction, with South East Senators walking out of the Red Chamber in protest.

Why Sen. Adeola Believes Nwosu Falls Short of Hero Status

During the heated debate surrounding the motion, Sen. Adeola passionately argued that Professor Nwosu failed to uphold Nigeria’s democracy during the pivotal moments of June 12, 1993. According to Adeola, who served as the Lagos West Senator from 2015 to 2023, Nwosu released the election results but crucially never announced them. This, Adeola believes, was a failure that cost many lives, including that of his own younger brother.

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Here's what Sen. Adeola had to say: “Mr. President, my esteemed colleagues, this is an issue I’ve tried my best to steer clear of. When Senator Abaribe raised this matter yesterday, I stood up and said no—I won’t allow it. It brings back a painful memory for me. I’m not speaking along party or ethnic lines here. The actions—or lack thereof—of Humphrey Nwosu directly led to the loss of my immediate younger brother. He died fighting for justice because Nwosu refused to fulfill his duty as INEC chairman.

“Many of my colleagues praised Nwosu for conducting a free and fair election. But let’s break it down: conducting an election, releasing results, and announcing results are three distinct responsibilities. Yes, he conducted the election. Yes, some might argue he released the results, but we all know that simply releasing results isn’t the same as announcing them. He faltered at the critical juncture when he should have stood up for democracy. Today, we honor those like Abiola who risked everything for June 12. If Nwosu lacked the courage to do what was right, then we need to acknowledge that fact.

A Call for Fairness and Unity in Honoring Heroes

“We’re not saying he shouldn’t be remembered, but we must be fair. Every individual proposed for recognition has been celebrated here. However, as members of the highest lawmaking body of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we must see ourselves as one united nation. With all due respect to Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who has now passed, he doesn’t deserve to be immortalized alongside those who truly did the right thing.”

Sen. Adeola’s heartfelt testimony underscores the deep emotional scars left by the annulment of the June 12 election. His stance highlights the ongoing debate over who deserves credit for the democratic milestones achieved during that era. While some view Nwosu as a key figure in organizing the election, others, like Adeola, believe his failure to announce the results undermines any claims to heroism. This controversy continues to resonate within Nigeria’s political landscape, reminding us of the complexities and challenges faced in the nation’s journey toward democracy.