NMA Turmoil: Representatives Put NOC on Hold, Restore Eligibility of Previously Disqualified Contenders

The Nigerian Medical Association's national crisis intensified on Thursday, as an Emergency Delegates Meeting in Abuja resulted in the suspension of the National Officers' Committee, the reversal of disqualification for six electoral candidates, and the establishment of a caretaker committee to oversee the association's affairs.

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This drastic turn of events occurred during a meeting at Park View Hotel, Wuse, Abuja, which was attended by representatives from 22 state branches and the Federal Capital Territory, who accused the National Officers' Committee of violating the constitution and overstepping its administrative bounds ahead of the upcoming Annual Delegates Meeting in Kano.

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A communiqué signed by the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Philips Uche Ekpe, and Secretary, Dr. Sabo Emmanuel, stated that these decisions aimed to restore fairness, unity, and cohesion within the association, which has been plagued by controversy and tension surrounding the electoral process.

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The disqualification of candidates for the 2026 elections, based on administrative requirements not explicitly stated in the Constitution, sparked widespread controversy and unnecessary tension, prompting the delegates to take action.

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Through a secret ballot, the Meeting voted to reverse the disqualification of all affected candidates, directing that all duly nominated candidates be reinstated and allowed to participate in the forthcoming Annual Delegates Meeting elections in Kano.

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The delegates subsequently passed a unanimous vote of no confidence in the National Officers' Committee, suspending its leadership with 53 votes in favor and two against.

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The Emergency Delegates Meeting also referred all National Officers' Committee members to the National Disciplinary Committee for investigation and a fair hearing, citing the need for accountability and transparency.

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The meeting expressed concern over the National Officers' Committee members' absence, despite proper notification and confirmation of quorum, which was seen as a threat to the association's stability.

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To prevent a leadership vacuum, a three-man caretaker committee was formed, comprising Dr. Ekpe Philips Uche as Chairman, Dr. Sabo Emmanuel as Secretary, and Dr. Olawale Oke as member, tasked with ensuring continuity, stabilizing the association, and overseeing preparations for the Kano Annual Delegates Meeting.

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The caretaker committee is mandated to operate within constitutional provisions, engage stakeholders, and guarantee the successful conduct of the forthcoming Annual Delegates Meeting, according to the delegates' resolution.

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Prior to the Emergency Delegates Meeting, the Committee of Past Presidents of the Nigerian Medical Association had intervened in the controversy, urging the reversal of the disqualification of affected candidates and emphasizing its role as the final arbiter in matters of interpretation.

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In a statement signed by Prof. Dominic Osaghae and Prof. Wole Atoyebi, issued after the Committee of Past Presidents' April 17 meeting, the committee recommended that the National Officers' Committee grant disqualified candidates a one-week window before the Annual Delegates Meeting to provide evidence of practising fee payment, in line with MDCN records.

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The Committee of Past Presidents argued that administrative requirements, such as submitting multiple passport photographs and CV copies, are not constitutional prerequisites for contesting elections and should not be used to disqualify candidates.

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The committee cautioned that failure to address the dispute could exacerbate divisions within the association and undermine the electoral process's credibility, emphasizing the need for a fair and transparent resolution.

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Following the emergency meeting, delegates called on members nationwide to remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to restoring unity, as the association navigates one of its most severe internal crises in recent years.