The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has announced plans to hold its annual June 12 Memorial Lecture in honour of the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, as part of efforts to deepen democratic governance, strengthen electoral integrity, and promote human rights in Nigeria.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, disclosed that the event is being organised in partnership with the Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights. The lecture is scheduled for June 9, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.
Themed “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria,” the gathering will bring together election administrators, political leaders, civil society groups, security agencies, academics, development partners, media practitioners, and members of the public to examine the future of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ojukwu described the lecture as both relevant and timely, noting that credible elections remain the foundation of any democratic society. According to him, democracy can only flourish when electoral processes are transparent, inclusive, and trusted by citizens.
He also paid tribute to the late Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), who supervised the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most credible polls.
A major highlight of the event will be the official unveiling of the Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights, which is expected to promote research on democracy, civic education, leadership development, and human rights advocacy.
Ojukwu said the memorial lecture would provide a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the significance of June 12 and discuss practical ways to strengthen democratic institutions and electoral processes in the country.
He further revealed that the Election Integrity and Democracy Award will be presented to Nnenna Oti, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, in recognition of her commitment to transparency, professionalism, and courage in carrying out electoral responsibilities.
According to him, the award is designed to celebrate integrity in public service while encouraging both citizens and public officials to uphold the principles of accountability, fairness, and transparency.
The NHRC chief expressed optimism that the lecture would support ongoing efforts to improve electoral integrity, encourage peaceful political participation, and build greater public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Responding to questions from journalists, Ojukwu noted that certain elements of the Open Ballot System and Option A4 model introduced by Prof. Nwosu could be reviewed and adapted where necessary to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the electoral process.
Also present at the briefing were Fab Uche and Emeka Nwosu, a consultant to the ECOWAS Parliament and member of the planning committee for the June 12 Memorial Lecture.
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