A potential internal crisis is brewing within the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) concerning its upcoming presidential election, with allegations of interference from influential figures within the National Officers’ Committee.
Ezoke Epoke, who chairs the association in Cross River State, brought these concerns to light during a press conference held in Calabar on Thursday. He expressed serious reservations about the integrity of the ongoing electoral process.
Dr. Epoke highlighted that the controversy primarily stems from the disqualification of Ofem Enang, a strong contender for the association's presidency. This move has reportedly caused significant unease among NMA members and other stakeholders across the country.
The disqualification affects Mr. Enang, a former second vice president and state chairperson, who was seeking to lead the association. This development has cast a shadow over the NMA's electoral procedures.
The NMA's national election is slated to occur in Kano between April 26 and May 3, 2026, during its Annual Delegates Meeting.
Mr. Epoke characterised the disqualification as an action contrary to the association's constitution, warning that it could incite unrest and division within the NMA, thereby eroding confidence in its electoral system.
He noted that various stakeholders have criticised the decision, labelling it as biased and illogical, and viewing it as a direct challenge to the democratic principles governing the NMA's elections.
According to Dr. Epoke, the NMA constitution clearly sets out the procedures for eligibility and nominations. He stressed that the National Officers’ Committee does not possess the authority to disqualify candidates under any circumstances.
He further argued that administrative requirements, such as submitting multiple curriculum vitae or passport photographs, should not supersede the constitutional provisions that dictate eligibility for elective posts within the association.
"This situation has intensified tensions among various branches, with many medical practitioners alleging deliberate efforts to favour a particular candidate, thereby compromising due process and weakening the association's institutional integrity," he stated.
Mr. Epoke appealed to former NMA presidents and senior members of the medical profession to step in and help restore the election's credibility. He cautioned that continued external interference could lead to the fragmentation of the association along political and regional lines.
He also pointed out that this internal conflict arises at a time when the health sector is already grappling with significant challenges, including brain drain, industrial disputes, and policy inconsistencies, which could diminish the NMA's national standing.
Meanwhile, Mr. Enang, the presidential aspirant, denounced his disqualification as arbitrary and motivated by vested interests that oppose a fair and competitive election. He claimed his nomination was initially accepted and acknowledged, only for him to be later classified as disqualified due to alleged incomplete documentation by the election authorities.
Professor Enang warned that if the NMA's internal conflict resolution mechanisms prove ineffective, those affected might pursue legal avenues to challenge the decision and seek recourse.
He also emphasized that the presidency was zoned to the South-south geopolitical zone, and his exclusion could lead to the disenfranchisement of Cross River State, setting a problematic precedent for future elections.
"Consequently, I demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional action and my reinstatement as a properly nominated candidate," he declared, urging strict adherence to the electoral regulations.
However, NMA President Bala Audu informed NAN that candidates who were disqualified had failed to meet the constitutional criteria, citing issues such as valid practice licences and complete documentation.
Dr. Audu explained that while the electoral committee oversees the elections, the secretariat handles the submission of documents. He added that any accusations made against the process need to be supported by concrete evidence from those making the claims.
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