By Our Correspondent
National News – The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is facing a growing leadership crisis as over 200 delegates prepare to gather in Abuja on Wednesday for an emergency delegates meeting triggered by controversial candidate disqualifications ahead of the ADM elections scheduled within the association.
The meeting, slated for April 22, 2026, in Nigeria’s capital, follows weeks of internal disagreement after several aspirants were disqualified from the upcoming elections.
The decision has sparked widespread backlash from state chapters, medical caucuses, and senior stakeholders who argue that the process has been unfair and divisive.
According to Dr. Oreyemi Ifedayo, Chairman of the States Chairmen forum, the disqualifications have been rejected by key stakeholders, including the Committee of Past Presidents, who insist the action must be reversed to guarantee fairness and a level playing field.
The group also maintains that its resolutions carry constitutional weight within the association’s governance structure.
Despite attempts at internal mediation, tensions escalated, leading to the emergency meeting where more than 200 verified delegates are expected to deliberate on the way forward.
The crisis involves key figures within the association, including NMA President Dr. Bala Audu, who has been accused by some members of ignoring reconciliation efforts and maintaining the disqualification decisions.
Observers within the medical community warn that the ongoing dispute could destabilize the association if not urgently resolved.
They caution that prolonged disagreement may weaken institutional order and disrupt the credibility of the electoral process within one of Nigeria’s most influential professional bodies.
The Committee of Past Presidents has reiterated its stance, insisting that its intervention is binding under the NMA constitution and calling for immediate reversal of the contested disqualifications.
However, uncertainty remains as leadership divisions deepen across various state chapters.
The emergency delegates meeting is expected to serve as a decisive platform for dialogue, with participants set to debate electoral fairness, leadership conduct, and measures to restore unity ahead of the ADM elections.
Ultimately, the outcome of the Abuja gathering is expected to shape the future direction of the association as stakeholders attempt to prevent a prolonged governance crisis within the NMA.
