NMA Election Crisis Intensifies with Abuja Emergency Delegates Meeting
The crisis within the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is escalating significantly, with over 200 delegates scheduled to convene in Abuja on Wednesday for an Emergency Delegates Meeting. This urgent gathering aims to address the contentious disqualification of candidates for the upcoming ADM elections, which has sparked widespread criticism and calls for intervention from various quarters of the association.
Disqualifications Spark Outcry and Calls for Reversal
The disqualification of six aspirants in recent weeks has drawn sharp condemnation from state chairmen, caucuses, and the Committee of Past Presidents. In a statement issued from Lokoja, Dr Oreyemi Ifedayo, Chairman of the States Chairmen of NMA, highlighted that these groups are demanding NMA President Bala Audu reverse the decision to ensure a fair electoral process. Ifedayo emphasized that the Emergency Delegates Meeting became necessary after previous interventions failed to resolve the issue.
He further noted that the Committee of Past Presidents has met and resolved that the disqualifications must be overturned to maintain a level playing field, asserting that their decisions are final under the association's constitution. This move underscores the deep divisions within the NMA leadership over electoral integrity and procedural fairness.
Lagos Chapter Leadership Dispute Adds to Turmoil
Simultaneously, the leadership crisis in the Lagos State chapter of the NMA has deepened following the removal of chairman Dr Babajide Kehinde Saheed. This action occurred during an emergency general meeting on Saturday, where Dr Ewunowo Femidire, the first vice chairman, was appointed as the new chairman. Despite a prior warning from the national body against unconstitutional gatherings, the Lagos chapter proceeded with the meeting.
In a letter dated April 17, 2026, and signed by Secretary General Dr Benjamin Egbo, the NMA national secretariat cautioned that it would not recognize any proceedings, resolutions, or outcomes from meetings failing to meet constitutional requirements. The letter, addressed to Saheed, advised maintaining calm and upholding due process. However, Femidire defended the chapter's actions, stating that due process was followed, including serving Saheed a letter to explain alleged constitutional infractions within seven days, to which he did not respond.
Conflicting Claims and Constitutional Challenges
Saheed has rejected his removal, labeling it unconstitutional and without legal basis. In a statement, he argued that the action violates the NMA Constitution, which outlines explicit guidelines for the election, tenure, and removal of officers. He maintains that he remains the legitimate office holder, having been duly elected by the general membership, and asserts that his position on the National Executive Council supports his claim. Speaking with The Guardian, Saheed reiterated his stance, highlighting the ongoing legal and procedural disputes within the association.
This unfolding crisis reflects broader tensions within the NMA, as internal conflicts over governance, electoral processes, and leadership authority threaten to undermine the association's stability and effectiveness. The outcomes of the Abuja emergency meeting and the resolution of the Lagos chapter dispute will be critical in determining the future direction of the Nigerian Medical Association.
