…accuses NMA leadership of electoral manipulation

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Barely weeks to its Annual General Meeting, the Nigerian Medical Association,NMA, is facing a deepening internal crisis following allegations that its national leadership unlawfully disqualified six candidates from contesting key elective positions.

The development has sparked outrage within the association, with aggrieved aspirants and senior members warning that the move could plunge the body into chaos and undermine its long-standing reputation for professionalism and integrity.

One of the affected candidates, Dr. Sodipo Oluwajimi, a Consultant Family Physician and former Chairman of the Medical Guild in Lagos, described the disqualification as a “grave violation” of the association’s constitution and democratic principles.

According to him, all the disqualified candidates fulfilled the stipulated requirements, including submission of duly signed nomination forms with valid proposers and seconders, as well as evidence of prior membership of the National Executive Council ,NEC.

Despite this, the NMA leadership proceeded with their exclusion—an action critics say contradicts the association’s rules and established norms.

Sources within the association revealed that several influential organs of the NMA, including past presidents, former secretaries-general, and members of the NEC, have reportedly expressed concerns over the decision, describing it as illegal and avoidable.

However, the National President, Dr. Bala Audu, and members of the National Officers Committee have yet to reverse the disqualification, a stance that has further heightened tensions.

Observers warn that the dispute, if not urgently addressed, could fracture the unity of the association at a time when Nigeria’s healthcare system is already grappling with significant challenges.

The NMA, founded in 1960, has long positioned itself as the umbrella body for medical doctors in Nigeria, with a mandate to protect members’ welfare while promoting quality healthcare delivery nationwide.

Critics argue that the current controversy threatens to erode public confidence in the association and distract it from its core responsibilities.

Dr. Sodipo cautioned that what he described as an attempt to “impose a predetermined leadership” on members could trigger division and instability within the body.

He called on key stakeholders,including state chairmen, delegates, and past leaders of the association,to urgently intervene and ensure that due process is followed.

“With the Annual General Meeting less than three weeks away, there is an urgent need to protect the integrity of the association by reversing the disqualification and upholding the rule of law,” he stated.

He further warned that failure to address the issue internally could force affected candidates to seek redress through the courts.

The six candidates are:. Dr Enang Ofem Egbe – President ; Dr Muhammad Dansabe Isah – 1st Vice President ;
Dr Omokhua Harrison – Secretary ;
Dr Elijah Tonde Gargah- Deputy Secretary; Dr Muhammadu Sani Abubakar – Treasurer and Dr Sodipo Oluwajimi – Publicity Secretary, respectively.

The unfolding situation presents a critical test for the NMA’s commitment to transparency and internal democracy, values it has consistently advocated in national discourse.

As tensions mount, all eyes are now on the association’s leadership and its ability to resolve the dispute without escalating into a full-blown crisis that could weaken one of Nigeria’s most influential professional bodies.