The family of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), now Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced detailed plans for his funeral, which will span both the United States and Nigeria.
Prof. Nwosu, widely celebrated for conducting the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, passed away on October 24, 2024, in a U.S. hospital at the age of 83. His final journey will conclude on March 28, 2025, with his burial in his hometown of Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
In a statement signed by Nnaemeka Humphrey Nwosu on behalf of the family and made available to INNONEWS, the burial activities will kick off on March 1, 2025, in Washington D.C., USA, before departing to Nigeria for further ceremonies. The late professor will be laid to rest in his ancestral home amidst tributes from across the globe.
Born on October 2, 1941, in Ajalli, Prof. Nwosu was a distinguished political scientist, academic, and public servant. He earned his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1973 and 1976, respectively. Upon returning to Nigeria, he joined the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he rose to the rank of full professor.
In the public scene, he served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and Commissioner for Agriculture in the old Anambra State.
However, he is most remembered for his tenure as Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (1989–1993).
As NEC chairman, Prof. Nwosu introduced innovative electoral reforms, including the “Option A4” voting system and the Open Ballot system, which played a major role in ensuring the transparency of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
The election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was won by Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO Abiola).
However, its annulment by then-military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, sparked nationwide unrest.
According to the schedule, memorial services and tributes for the late NEC Chairman will first take place in the United States, where he spent his final moments, before moving to Nigeria for traditional rites and his final interment.
The Schedule Reads:
Saturday, March 1, 2025 – Service of Songs and Celebration of Life at the Nigerian Embassy, Washington D.C., USA.
– Tuesday, March 25, 2025 – Night of Tributes at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
– Thursday, March 27, 2025 – Body arrives in Anambra State for a brief ceremony at Orumba North LGA Headquarters, followed by a Service of Songs at his residence in Ogbili Otti Palace, Ajalli.
– Friday, March 28, 2025 – Funeral service at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Ajalli, after which Nwosu will be laid to rest at his residence in Ogbili Otti Palace.
– Guests will be entertained at the Ajalli Government School field after the funeral service.
Prof. Nwosu is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and numerous relatives.
