No fewer than 200 delegates of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) are set to gather in Abuja on Wednesday for an emergency meeting aimed at resolving a deepening leadership crisis that threatens the unity of the organisation.
The decision to convene the emergency session was announced on Monday in Lokoja by Dr. Oreyemi Ifedayo, Chairman of the NMA State Chairmen’s Forum. In a statement, he disclosed that the crisis was triggered by the controversial disqualification of candidates ahead of the association’s forthcoming elections.
Dr. Ifedayo alleged that the affected candidates for the Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM) were disqualified by the NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, without due process. The move, he said, has sparked widespread concern among stakeholders across the country.
According to the chairman, the disqualification has drawn sustained criticism over the past two weeks from state chairmen, various caucuses, and the Committee of Past Presidents—all of whom have called for strict adherence to the association’s constitution.
Despite repeated appeals to reverse the disqualification before the ADM, Dr. Ifedayo noted, the NMA President declined, further heightening tensions within the organisation.
The emergency meeting, he explained, was called to address the situation before it deteriorates further. He stressed that members have strongly rejected what they describe as an unlawful process.
Dr. Ifedayo emphasised that under the NMA constitution, the Committee of Past Presidents serves as the final authority on constitutional interpretation. The committee had recommended reversing the disqualifications to ensure fairness—a resolution he described as regrettably ignored.
He warned that continued disregard for due process could undermine the association’s unity and credibility.
Organisers have confirmed that over 200 delegates are expected to attend Wednesday’s meeting, which will deliberate on the issues and seek a path toward restoring peace, unity, and institutional integrity.