The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has plunged deeper into crisis following the suspension of its National President, Prof. Bala Audu, over alleged constitutional breaches and high-handed leadership.
The decision was reached on Wednesday at an Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) held in Abuja, where delegates drawn from across the country gathered to deliberate on the dispute rocking the association.
Audu, who heads the National Officers Committee (NOC), was accused of unilaterally disqualifying six aspirants from contesting in the forthcoming national elections scheduled to hold during the NMA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kano from April 27 to May 3.
Although the NOC defended the move on the grounds of incomplete documentation, delegates rejected the justification, insisting it violated the association’s constitution and established procedures.
In a unanimous resolution, the EDM overturned the disqualification and cleared all affected candidates to participate in the elections, directing that their names be immediately placed on the ballot.
The meeting also announced the suspension of the NOC led by Audu and moved to restore order within the association’s leadership structure.
Delegates emphasised that due process was followed in convening the meeting, noting that all constitutional requirements were met and a quorum was duly formed.
They disclosed that more than 68 delegates from 23 states were physically present, alongside over 162 participants who joined virtually.
According to them, the NMA constitution stipulates a minimum of 50 delegates drawn from at least 14 states, a threshold they said was exceeded.
The EDM further constituted a caretaker committee led by former Secretary-General, Dr. Ekpe Phillips, to oversee the affairs of the association pending the elections and to initiate disciplinary actions against Audu and the NOC if found culpable.
Participants said the intervention became necessary after internal mechanisms to resolve the crisis failed, adding that the meeting was convened following endorsements by over 100 members, in line with constitutional provisions.
“The excuse of incomplete documentation is strange to our processes,” a delegate said. “These candidates were duly nominated and screened. What happened was a clear violation of the NMA constitution.”
Chairman of NMA-FCT, Dr. Emeka Ayogu, backed the suspension, accusing the Audu-led leadership of “impunity and arrogance,” and warning that the association’s unity was under threat.
“We want an NMA that protects members’ welfare and upholds due process. We had no choice but to act decisively,” Ayogu stated, adding that members were prepared for any fallout, including possible legal action.
Also speaking, former Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Umezurike Ikechukwu, described the leadership’s actions as destabilising and inconsistent with the association’s tradition of orderly transitions.
“This is not how the NMA has operated over the years. There has always been stability and order. What we are seeing now is deeply troubling and must be addressed to prevent further damage,” he said.
With tensions rising and the AGM just days away, the unfolding crisis poses a serious test for the unity and stability of Nigeria’s foremost medical body.
