NMA defends disqualification of 6 election candidates amid controversy
Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) stands by decision to disqualify 6 candidates from upcoming elections, claiming they failed to meet constitutional requirements. NMA National Publicity Secretary Mannir Bature told PREMIUM TIMES the vetting process was conducted openly with only complete applications processed. The disqualified aspirants—including Enang Egbe (president), Muhammad Isah (first vice president), and others—had their candidacies rejected despite submitting nomination forms with valid proposers and seconders.
The controversy escalates with NMA's Annual General Meeting less than three weeks away. Sodipo Oluwajimi, one of the affected candidates and former Medical Guild chairman in Lagos, warned the situation could trigger a crisis within the association. This follows similar controversy in March involving Mr. Egbe's disqualification.
NMA maintains the process followed constitutional guidelines and will review petitions due process. The association, established in 1960 as Nigeria's medical doctors' umbrella body, plays critical role in healthcare advocacy and policy engagement. With leadership positions potentially unfilled, the governance structure faces uncertainty ahead of the AGM.