By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
Senator Adeniyi Ayodele Adegbonmire, SAN, has expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), assuring Nigerians that the electoral body is fully prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, during the unveiling of the Professor Humphrey N. Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights and the annual June 12 Commemoration Lecture, Senator Adegbonmire said he had no doubt about INEC’s capacity to deliver credible elections.
“As far as I am concerned, I believe that INEC is equal to the task of ensuring free and fair elections in 2027. I have no doubt in my mind, given the professional pedigree and integrity of the INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I am sure we will have free and fair elections in 2027,” he stated.
The event, themed “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria,” was held in honour of the late Professor Humphrey N. Nwosu, the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission who supervised the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Ondo Central lawmaker commended the vision behind the newly established Centre.
He noted that the remarks made by Engr. Nnaemeka Humphrey Nwosu, son of the late electoral icon and President of the Centre, highlighted key objectives the institution intends to pursue, including electoral integrity.
“Recognising what the late Professor Humphrey N. Nwosu stood for, I believe the Centre will make meaningful contributions to strengthening democracy in Nigeria. I wish them the very best,” Adegbonmire said.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting, protecting and enforcing human rights across the country.
Ojukwu described democracy and human rights as inseparable, stressing that credible elections, civic participation, freedom of expression, equality before the law and accountable governance remain fundamental pillars of democratic development.
He explained that the newly established Professor Humphrey N. Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights would focus on civic education, advocacy for electoral reforms, leadership development, youth engagement, research and the promotion of ethical governance.“The Centre provides a valuable platform for sustained national engagement on democratic consolidation and human rights advancement”he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Nwosu family, Engr. Nnaemeka Humphrey Nwosu said the institution was created to preserve and advance the democratic ideals championed by his late father.
Reflecting on the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll, he described the exercise as a defining moment that united Nigerians across ethnic, religious and regional divides.
“The June 12 election was more than an election; it was a moment of hope and national unity,” he said.
According to him, although the election was annulled, it awakened democratic consciousness among Nigerians and strengthened the belief that democracy is worth defending.
He added that the Centre would serve as a platform for promoting integrity, transparency, courage, credible elections and respect for human rights across Nigeria and the African continent.
“The Centre is more than a tribute to one individual. It is a promise that the values my father stood for will not only be remembered but actively practiced,” Nwosu stated.
The unveiling of the Professor Humphrey N. Nwosu Centre concluded with renewed calls for electoral integrity, stronger protection of civil liberties, improved security, greater government accountability and increased participation of women in politics as Nigeria prepares for future democratic milestones.
