Doctors threaten protest over NMA candidate disqualification

2026-03-17 - 12:24

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru Tension appears to be growing within the ranks of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), ahead of its 2026 national elections, as doctors across the country are threatening to protest over what they describe as the unconstitutional disqualification of a leading presidential candidate, Prof Ofem Enang. The controversy has also drawn attention to the role of the current NMA President, Prof Bala Audu, who is accused by some members of attempting to influence the outcome of the election scheduled to be held in Kano from April 26 to May 2, 2026. In a statement issued Tuesday, the Renaissance 2026 Campaign Team, led by its National Campaign Coordinator, Dr Ezoke Epoke, described the reported disqualification of Enang as a violation of due process and the NMA Constitution, warning that it could undermine the integrity of the association’s electoral process. The campaign team said Enang met all constitutional requirements for nomination and submitted his forms within the stipulated deadline, adding that he was neither formally notified of any deficiency nor allowed to respond before the alleged disqualification. According to the group, Article 11(1) (b) of the NMA Constitution clearly states that “all members shall be eligible to contest election to any office,” provided they meet the laid-down requirements. It explained that the constitution only requires that nomination forms be properly completed and submitted before the deadline, with a proposer and seconder who are members in good standing of the association. The campaign team said Enang personally submitted his nomination forms before the deadline in the company of seven state chairmen, in line with the constitutional provisions guiding the electoral process. It stressed that the constitution provides for the opening of nomination envelopes by the Secretary-General or Deputy Secretary-General in the presence of at least one other national officer, after which the names of nominated candidates and their sponsors are compiled. According to the statement, the constitution does not empower the National Officers’ Committee (NOC) or any individual to arbitrarily disqualify a candidate who has been properly nominated and seconded. “At no point in Article 11 is any authority granted to the National Officers’ Committee or any individual to unilaterally disqualify a properly nominated and seconded candidate,” the campaign team said. It therefore called for the immediate reinstatement of Enang as a duly nominated candidate and urged the NMA leadership to comply with the letter and spirit of the constitution. The group also appealed to former NMA presidents, past secretaries-general and other stakeholders to intervene to prevent what it described as a dangerous precedent capable of plunging the association into crisis. “Our concern goes beyond Dr Ofem Enang; it is about defending the integrity of the NMA, protecting democracy and upholding the rule of law within our profession,” the statement added. Reacting to the development, Secretary of the NMA Federal Capital Territory branch, Dr Akinnagbe Fernandez, also questioned the basis of the disqualification, describing it as inconsistent with the association’s constitution. Fernandez said the alleged decision was reportedly based on claims that photocopies of certain documents were not submitted, even though the originals were already in the custody of the NMA secretariat. “The purported disqualification of Prof Ofem Enang is based on the claim that photocopies of certain documents were not submitted, even though those original documents are already before the NMA secretariat,” he said. He maintained that Article 11 of the NMA Constitution does not recognise “incomplete documentation” as a ground for disqualification once nomination forms are properly completed and endorsed by qualified sponsors. “The constitution does not recognise incomplete documentation as a ground for disqualification. So long as the nomination form is properly completed and the proposer and seconder are members in good standing with current practising licences, the candidate is eligible to contest,” Fernandez said. He warned that the development could trigger widespread discontent among doctors across the country if not urgently addressed. Attempts to reach the NMA President, Prof Bala Audu, for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls placed to his phone.