NMA members seek fairness, clarity in electoral process

Some members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have called for greater clarity and fairness in the association’s electoral process.

The call follows the disqualification of six aspirants from the forthcoming national elections scheduled to hold in Kano.

The members, including some of the affected aspirants, made the call at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja, where they expressed concern over the interpretation of nomination requirements used during the screening exercise.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Prof. Ofem Enang, a presidential aspirant, said the development had generated concern among sections of the association’s membership, especially regarding the application of administrative guidelines.

Enang explained that the disqualification was linked to the submission of nomination documents to the National Officers Committee (NOC), which oversees the screening process.

According to him, the instruction provided in the nomination form requested “40 copies of recent passport photographs and current CV”.

He noted that the affected aspirants submitted 40 passport photographs alongside a single copy of their CVs, based on their understanding of the requirement.

He, however, said the NOC interpreted the instruction to mean 40 copies of both the photographs and CVs, leading to the classification of their submissions as incomplete.

Enang appealed for a more flexible and inclusive approach, noting that such administrative issues could be clarified or addressed without excluding candidates from the process.

He also emphasised the need for consistent application of guidelines, adding that providing an opportunity for candidates to rectify perceived omissions could further strengthen confidence in the process.

Similarly, Dr Isah Mohammed, an aspirant for the office of First Vice-President, called for uniformity in the handling of screening concerns.

He observed that in previous instances, some candidates were given additional time to resolve issues related to verification by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and suggested that a similar approach could be extended in this case.

Mohammed also underscored the importance of timely communication with affected candidates to enhance transparency and understanding.

In his remarks, Dr Oluwajimi Sodipo, an aspirant for the office of National Publicity Secretary, urged stakeholders to prioritise unity and cohesion within the association, stressing that an inclusive process would strengthen the credibility of the outcome.

Also speaking, Dr Olusola Baoku, convener of the Northern caucus of the NMA, emphasised the need to align all electoral procedures with the provisions of the association’s constitution.

He called on relevant stakeholders to engage constructively to ensure that the process reflects fairness and the collective interest of members.

Other stakeholders, including Dr Ezoke Epoke, NMA Chairman in Cross River, Dr Philip Ekpe, former Secretary-General of the association, and Dr Ayogu Emeka, Chairman of NMA FCT, also advocated dialogue and adherence to due process in resolving the concerns raised.