Nigerian Doctors at loggerhead over association’s election

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is now face with a looming internal crisis amid allegations of interference in its Presidential election by powerful interests within the National Officers’ Committee.

Penpushing reports that the chairman of the association in Cross River State, Dr  Ezoke Epoke, made this known at a press briefing on Thursday held in Calabar, the State Capital, and raising concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.

The chairman, explained that the controversy centred on the disqualification of, a presidential contender, Prof Ofem Enang which had sparked widespread concern among members and stakeholders nationwide.

Penpushing further reports that, Enang, a former second Vice President and State Chairman, was disqualified from contesting for the association’s top leadership position, at the association’s election scheduled to take place at its Annual Delegates Meeting from 26 April to 3 May 2026 in Kano

The chairman described the disqualification as unconstitutional and capable of causing unrest and disunity within the association, warning that it could undermine confidence in the electoral process.

Penpushing also reports that Epoke said stakeholders had criticised the decision as biased and illogical, describing it as a threat to the democratic principles guiding the association’s electoral system.

The chairman added that the association’s constitution outlines clear eligibility and nomination procedures and does not empower the National Officers’ Committee to disqualify candidates under any circumstance.

Penpushing reports that he argued that administrative requirements, including multiple curriculum vitae and passport photographs, could not override constitutional provisions governing eligibility for contesting elective positions within the association.

“This development has heightened tensions across branches, with many doctors alleging attempts to impose a preferred candidate, thereby undermining due process and weakening institutional integrity,” he said.

Penpushing further reports that Epoke called on past presidents and elders of the profession to intervene and restore credibility, warning that continued interference could fragment the association along political and sectional lines.

The chairman emphasised that the crisis came amid concerns over brain drain, industrial disputes, and policy inconsistencies affecting the health sector, which could weaken the association’s national influence.

Penpushing also reports that Enang, the presidential aspirant, in his reaction described his disqualification as arbitrary, alleging it was driven by vested interests opposed to a transparent and competitive electoral process.

The Presidential aspirant argued that his nomination was duly submitted and acknowledged but he was later listed among disqualified candidates over alleged incomplete documentation by the electoral authorities.

Penpushing reports that  Enang, a professor, warned that if internal dispute-resolution mechanisms failed, affected parties might resort to constitutional and lawful means to challenge the decision and seek redress.

The association boss added that the presidency was zoned to the South-south, stressing that denying his candidacy could disenfranchise Cross River State and set a dangerous precedent for future elections.

“In the light of this, I demand immediate reversal of this unconstitutional action and my reinstatement as a duly nominated candidate,” he said, urging strict adherence to electoral provisions’, he said.

Penpushing further reports that the President of the association Bala Audu, explained that disqualified candidates failed to meet constitutional requirements, including valid licences and complete documentation.

The President emphasized that the electoral committee conducts elections while the secretariat handles submissions, adding that allegations must be substantiated by those making claims against the process.

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