Tensions are rising within the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) ahead of its 2026 national elections, as doctors across the country threaten protests over what they describe as the unconstitutional disqualification of a leading presidential candidate, Ofem Enang.
The controversy has also drawn scrutiny to the role of the current NMA President, Bala Audu, who some members accuse of attempting to influence the outcome of the elections scheduled to take place in Kano from April 26 to May 2, 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Renaissance 2026 Campaign Team, led by its National Campaign Coordinator, Ezoke Epoke, described Enang’s reported disqualification as a violation of due process and the NMA Constitution, warning that it could undermine the integrity of the association’s electoral system.
The campaign team maintained that Enang fulfilled all constitutional requirements for nomination and submitted his forms within the stipulated deadline. It added that he was neither formally notified of any deficiencies nor given an opportunity to respond prior to the alleged disqualification.
Citing Article 11(1)(b) of the NMA Constitution, the group noted that all members are eligible to contest elective positions, provided they meet the laid-down requirements. It emphasised that the constitution only requires properly completed nomination forms submitted before the deadline, with a proposer and seconder who are members in good standing.
According to the statement, Enang personally submitted his nomination forms before the deadline in the company of seven state chairmen, in full compliance with constitutional provisions. It further explained that the constitution outlines a clear process for opening nomination envelopes and compiling candidates’ names, without granting the National Officers’ Committee (NOC) or any individual the authority to arbitrarily disqualify candidates.
“At no point in Article 11 is any authority granted to the National Officers’ Committee or any individual to unilaterally disqualify a properly nominated and seconded candidate,” the campaign team stated.
The group called for Enang’s immediate reinstatement and urged the NMA leadership to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions. It also appealed to former NMA presidents, past secretaries-general, and other stakeholders to intervene, warning that the situation could set a dangerous precedent and plunge the association into crisis.
“Our concern goes beyond Prof Ofem Enang; it is about defending the integrity of the NMA, protecting democracy, and upholding the rule of law within our profession,” the statement added.
Reacting to the development, Secretary of the NMA Federal Capital Territory branch, Akinnagbe Fernandez, also questioned the basis for the disqualification, describing it as inconsistent with the association’s constitution.
Fernandez explained that the decision was reportedly based on claims that photocopies of certain documents were not submitted, despite the originals already being in the custody of the NMA secretariat.
“The purported disqualification of Prof Ofem Enang is based on the claim that photocopies of certain documents were not submitted, even though those original documents are already before the NMA secretariat,” he said.
He maintained that Article 11 does not recognise “incomplete documentation” as grounds for disqualification once nomination forms are properly completed and endorsed by qualified sponsors.
“The constitution does not recognise incomplete documentation as a ground for disqualification. As long as the nomination form is properly completed and the proposer and seconder are members in good standing with current practising licences, the candidate is eligible to contest,” Fernandez added.
He warned that failure to urgently address the issue could trigger widespread dissatisfaction among doctors nationwide.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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