By Folasade Akpan
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has dismissed claims of factionalisation within its ranks, reaffirming unity ahead of its 66th Annual General Conference and Delegates Meeting scheduled for Kano.
The Secretary-General, Dr Benjamin Egbo, made the clarification on Friday in Abuja at a news conference, insisting the association remained intact and fully functional nationwide.
He said Dr Bala Audu remained the duly recognised president of the association, stressing that no parallel leadership structure exists within the NMA at any level.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that recent media and social media claims had alleged leadership crisis, parallel meetings, and disputes over delegate accreditation ahead of the conference.
Egbo said, “I want to say categorically and authoritatively that there is no faction in the NMA,” adding that contrary reports were misleading and inaccurate.
He explained that the controversy stemmed from disqualification of some candidates who failed to properly complete nomination procedures in line with the association’s constitutional requirements.
“Out of 20 candidates, six candidates did not fill their nomination forms properly, and they were disqualified for incomplete nominations,” he said.
Egbo said attempts to challenge the decision outside constitutional processes triggered tensions, including what he described as an unauthorised meeting by a small group of members.
He maintained that such actions could not override decisions taken by the wider membership at properly constituted national meetings of the association.
“How can a group of 54 medical doctors sit down and say that they have overturned what 50,000 doctors have done,” he asked.
Egbo also dismissed reports that the NMA secretariat was sealed, explaining that security measures were only taken to prevent forced entry and possible disruption.
“Let us debunk that theory that the secretariat has been sealed off,” he said, adding that normal administrative activities continued without interruption.
He urged members to resolve disagreements through constitutional channels, warning that actions outside established structures could undermine the association’s stability and integrity.
Egbo expressed confidence that the forthcoming Kano conference would proceed peacefully, without disruption or security concerns from internal disputes.
Also speaking, NMA Publicity Secretary, Dr Mannir Bature, said the conference theme would focus on strengthening Nigeria’s health system through research, policy, and practice integration.
Bature said, “The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Bridging Research, Policy and Practice: Strengthening Nigeria’s Health System for Resilience and Equity,’” reflecting current sector challenges.
He said the event, scheduled for April 26 to May 3 in Kano, would attract more than 1,000 delegates and host discussions on healthcare delivery and reforms.
Bature added that elections would be conducted using a new delegate voting system aimed at improving inclusiveness, participation, and transparency in leadership selection.
He said the conference would feature scientific sessions, policy dialogues, outreach programmes, and discussions on workforce development and doctors’ welfare nationwide.
On achievements, Bature cited improved remuneration, allowances, retirement age, and institutional reforms driven by sustained engagement with government over the current leadership tenure.
He expressed optimism that the Kano conference would strengthen unity, consolidate gains, and set direction for future leadership in the medical profession.
NAN reports that the NMA conference is its highest decision-making forum, expected to shape policies and leadership direction for Nigeria’s medical community.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
