The Committee of Past Presidents of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has overturned the disqualification of some candidates in the 2026 national elections, directing that affected aspirants be given a fresh opportunity to contest.
The resolution, made available on Thursday, followed a crucial meeting of the body held on April 17, 2026, where it reviewed petitions and rising tensions surrounding the electoral process.
The committee declared itself the “final arbiter in matters of interpretation of the NMA constitution,” stressing its authority to intervene in disputes threatening the unity of the association.
It said the move was necessitated by “various petitions received from some disqualified candidates” and concerns that the situation could undermine the credibility of the election.
The April 17 meeting was attended by Dr. George Okpagu; Prof. Dominic Osaghae; Prof. Wole Atoyebi; Prof. Prosper Igboeli; Dr. Omede Idris; Dr. Osahon Enabulele; Dr. Mike Ogirima; Prof. Francis Faduyile; and Prof. Innocent Ujah.
In its resolutions, the committee directed that all affected candidates be given “a window period of at least one week” before the Annual Delegates Meeting to regularise their status.
It stated that aspirants must present “evidence of payment of their practicing fees as and when due,” adding that those who comply “should be allowed to contest the NMA 2026 national election.”
The past presidents also rejected disqualifications based on administrative lapses, insisting such grounds are not backed by the constitution.
“Candidates who were disqualified based on… administrative documents… that are not constitutionally mandatory should not be penalised,” the committee stated.
It added that if such requirements are to be enforced in future, “they should be inserted into the constitution.”
Reaffirming its authority, the body urged the NMA leadership to implement its resolutions to calm tensions and ensure a credible electoral process.
The committee expressed optimism that the intervention would “address the current electoral concerns in NMA” and restore confidence in the association’s electoral system.
