NMA Election Crisis Deepens as 200+ Delegates Convene Emergency Abuja Meeting
The crisis within the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has escalated significantly, with over 200 delegates scheduled to meet in Abuja on Wednesday for an Emergency Delegates Meeting. This urgent gathering aims to address the contentious disqualification of candidates for the association's upcoming national elections, which has sparked widespread criticism and calls for intervention from various quarters.
State Chairmen and Past Presidents Condemn Disqualifications
In a statement issued on Monday from Lokoja, Dr Oreyemi Ifedayo, Chairman of the States Chairmen of NMA, revealed that the disqualifications announced in recent weeks have been strongly condemned by state chairmen, caucuses, and the Committee of Past Presidents. These groups are demanding that NMA President Bala Audu reverse the decision to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.
Dr Ifedayo explained that the Emergency Delegates Meeting became necessary after previous interventions failed to resolve the dispute. He noted that the Committee of Past Presidents has met and resolved that these disqualifications must be reversed, emphasizing that under the constitution, the committee's decisions are final.
"It is regrettable that the President has disregarded these interventions and appears set on a course that may cause chaos," Dr Ifedayo stated. "Delegates will meet on April 22 to deliberate and restore peace. All arrangements are in place, with over 200 attendees verified."
Affected Aspirants Speak Out Against Exclusion
Among those affected by the disqualifications is Dr Oluwajimi Sodipo, a Consultant family physician and past Chairman of the Medical Guild in Lagos. Dr Sodipo has publicly criticized what he describes as the NMA leadership's decision to unfairly exclude six qualified aspirants from contesting for electoral positions, calling it "a deadly miscalculation."
Dr Sodipo, who was an aspirant for the position of National Publicity Secretary, alleged that despite meeting all constitutional requirements—including submitting a signed form with a valid proposer and seconder, along with evidence of previous service as a National Executive Council member—he and five other aspirants were disqualified.
"I call on all organs of the association, including state chairmen, past presidents, delegates, and members, to immediately intervene to protect the association's integrity and governance by reversing the disqualification and upholding the rule of law," Dr Sodipo declared. "Failure to do so will be challenged to the highest level of the judicial system."
List of Disqualified Aspirants and Positions Sought
In a statement provided to The Guardian, Dr Sodipo claimed there is a broad consensus among all association organs—including past presidents, past Secretaries General, and National Executive Council members—that the disqualifications are illegal. The other aspirants disqualified by the National Officers Committee include:
- Dr Enang Ofem Egbe – aspiring for President
- Dr Muhammad Dansabe Isah – aspiring for 1st Vice President
- Dr Omokhua Harrison – aspiring for Secretary
- Dr Elijah Tonde Gargah – aspiring for Deputy Secretary
- Dr Muhammadu Sani Abubakar – aspiring for Treasurer
The emergency meeting in Abuja represents a critical juncture for the NMA, as delegates seek to resolve this electoral dispute and prevent further division within Nigeria's premier medical association.
