Crisis deepens in NMA as 200 delegates converge on Abuja

A leadership crisis is brewing within the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) as more than 200 delegates are set to gather in Abuja on Wednesday for an Emergency Delegates Meeting.

The meeting follows controversy surrounding the disqualification of candidates in the association’s Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM) elections, a move that has sparked widespread among stakeholders.

In a statement issued in Lokoja, Chairman of State Chairmen of the association, Dr Oreyemi Ifedayo, said the decision to convene the emergency meeting came after several efforts to resolve the matter failed.

According to him, the disqualifications have been strongly opposed by state chairmen, various caucuses, and the Committee of Past Presidents, all of whom have urged NMA President Bala Audu to reverse the decision.

Ifedayo warned that the situation could lead to a breakdown of order within the association if not properly addressed.

He noted that the Committee of Past Presidents had already met and resolved that the disqualifications should be overturned to ensure fairness and a level playing field for all contestants.

“It is unfortunate that the President has ignored these interventions and appears determined to proceed in a way that could trigger crisis,” he said.

He added that the April 22 meeting would provide a platform for delegates to deliberate on the issue and chart a path toward restoring stability within the association.

Ifedayo confirmed that preparations for the meeting had been finalised, with over 200 delegates already verified to attend.