NMA Election Crisis: Aspirants Decry Unfair Disqualification and Interference
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is embroiled in a significant controversy as aspirants for its forthcoming national election have raised serious allegations of unfair disqualification and external interference in the electoral process. This development threatens to undermine the integrity of the association's governance and has sparked widespread concern among members and stakeholders nationwide.
Dr Oluwajimi Sodipo's Allegations of Unjust Exclusion
A Consultant family physician and past Chairman of the Medical Guild in Lagos, Dr Oluwajimi Sodipo, has strongly criticized the leadership of the NMA for what he describes as a deadly miscalculation in disqualifying six qualified aspirants from contesting for electoral positions. Sodipo, who was an aspirant for the post of National Publicity Secretary, asserted that despite meeting all constitutional requirements—including a signed form with a valid proposer and seconder, along with evidence of prior service as a National Executive Council member—he and five other aspirants were unjustly excluded from the race.
In a statement made available to The Guardian, Sodipo emphasized that the disqualification is widely viewed as illegal by various organs of the association, including past presidents, past Secretaries General, and members of the National Executive Council. He has called for immediate intervention from state chairmen, past presidents, delegates, and all members to reverse the disqualification and uphold the rule of law, warning that failure to do so will be challenged through the highest levels of the judicial system.
Cross River Branch Alleges Interference in Presidential Election
Adding to the turmoil, the NMA's Cross River branch has raised allegations of interference in the presidential election process, particularly concerning the disqualification of an aspirant, Prof. Ofem Enang. Dr Ezoke Epoke, Chairman of the NMA Cross River branch, disclosed this development during an interaction with journalists in Calabar, highlighting that Enang's disqualification has triggered widespread concern across the country.
Epoke noted that Enang, who previously served as Second Vice President and state chairman of the association, was allegedly barred from contesting the presidency under unclear circumstances. He described the disqualification as unconstitutional, biased, illogical, and a threat to democracy, warning that it could spark unrest and deepen divisions within the association. The election is scheduled to be held in Kano during the Annual Delegates Meeting from April 26 to May 3, 2026.
Broader Implications for NMA's Integrity and Governance
The combined allegations from Sodipo and the Cross River branch point to a broader crisis within the NMA, raising questions about the fairness and transparency of its electoral processes. The disqualification of multiple aspirants, coupled with claims of interference, threatens to erode trust in the association's leadership and could lead to legal battles and internal strife.
As the NMA prepares for its national election, the call for intervention to protect the association's integrity and ensure adherence to constitutional norms has become increasingly urgent. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, with many emphasizing the need for swift action to address these grievances and restore confidence in the electoral system.
