 An enormously popular candidate, Osuji was heavily favored to win the governorship election ahead of the late Senator Evan Enwerem of the National Republican Convention.However, with a few days to the elections, the Federal Government of Nigeria, under General Ibrahim Babangida, inexplicably disqualified Osuji along with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other leading gubernatorial candidates in several states.Prof Osuji later served as Imo State Commissioner for Information and Social Development (1994-1996), and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2000-2003).