By ADEROGBA GEORGE

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Wednesday suspended its National President, Prof. Bala Audu, over alleged violation of the association’s constitution.

The decision was taken at an Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) in Abuja, attended by 63 members, including chairmen and secretaries from 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Some members expressed concern that the Audu-led administration disqualified six aspirants from contesting national offices at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting in Kano from April 27 to May 3.

Findings by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicate that the affected candidates were reportedly disqualified by the National Officers Committee (NOC) over claims of incomplete documentation.

Delegates at the meeting constituted a caretaker committee, led by Dr Ekpe Phillips, to oversee the association’s affairs pending the election and any further review processes.

The meeting also recommended that the issues surrounding the disqualifications be examined through appropriate internal mechanisms, in line with the association’s rules.

Delegates resolved to allow the previously disqualified aspirants to participate in the election, following a vote moderated by Dr Omotayo Adetunji and Dr Fernandez Akinnagbe.

A member at the meeting said, “The candidates were duly nominated and submitted their forms, but were later informed of their disqualification by the NOC.

“Concerns were raised about the basis for the decision, and members called for clarity and adherence to established procedures.

“Efforts were made to resolve the matter before the EDM, including consultations and a petition supported by over 100 members.”

Dr Emeka Ayogu, Chairman of NMA-FCT, supported the resolutions, stating that members opted for the meeting after earlier attempts at dialogue did not yield results.

“We want an association that remains united and focused on members’ welfare,” Ayogu said.

Dr Umezurike Ikechukwu, a former Deputy Secretary-General, also expressed concern over the situation and urged all parties to prioritise stability.

“The association has maintained orderly transitions over the years, and it is important to preserve that tradition,” he said.

NAN reports that the crisis in the Nigerian Medical Association centres on disagreements over the handling of its forthcoming national elections.

The dispute followed the disqualification of six aspirants by the NOC over alleged documentation issues, a decision that drew concerns from some members.

Some affected members and their supporters argued that due process may not have been fully followed, raising questions about transparency and adherence to the association’s constitution.

After attempts at internal resolution did not yield consensus, delegates convened the EDM, where the issues were reviewed and key decisions taken on leadership and the election process.

Article 8, Section 2(2b) of the NMA constitution empowers delegates at an Emergency Delegates Meeting to form a quorum and take decisions.

Article 16 of the constitution also empowers the EDM to sanction any officer found wanting, in line with the association’s rules.

However, efforts to obtain a response from Prof. Bala Audu were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. (NAN)

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