NMA chaos: Delegates suspend NOC, reinstate disqualified candidates

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is embroiled in a significant internal crisis, with delegates at an Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) in Abuja taking drastic measures against the National Officers’ Committee (NOC). The delegates, representing 22 state branches and the Federal Capital Territory, accused the NOC of violating the association's constitution and overstepping its authority, leading to a vote to suspend the NOC's leadership.

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to restore fairness, cohesion and unity

A key point of contention was the disqualification of six candidates for the upcoming 2026 elections. Delegates deemed these disqualifications unfair and based on administrative requirements not explicitly stated in the NMA Constitution. In a move to restore fairness and unity, the EDM unanimously voted to reinstate all duly nominated candidates, allowing them to contest in the forthcoming Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM) in Kano.

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The disqualification of candidates for the 2026 elections generated widespread controversy and avoidable tension, and was based on “administrative requirements not expressly provided for in the Constitution.”

Furthermore, the delegates passed a vote of no confidence in the NOC, suspending its members by a significant margin. To ensure continuity and stability, a three-man caretaker committee has been formed, tasked with overseeing the association's affairs and preparing for the ADM. This internal turmoil underscores a deep division within the NMA, highlighting the challenges of maintaining cohesion and adhering to constitutional processes amidst electoral tensions. The Committee of Past Presidents has also intervened, urging a review of the disqualifications, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

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The Meeting voted via secret ballot to reverse the disqualification of all affected candidates and directed that all duly nominated candidates be reinstated and allowed to contest in the forthcoming ADM elections in Kano.