By Joseph Erunke
The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has firmly denied reports of internal division, describing recent claims of a splinter group as the handiwork of “disgruntled elements” seeking to undermine the association’s constitutional order.
Addressing journalists at a press conference, the NMA Secretary General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, stated unequivocally that the association remains united under its current leadership and warned that individuals parading themselves as an alternative authority lack legitimacy.
“There is no faction in the NMA,” Egbo declared.
“What we have are a group of individuals who have refused to abide by constitutional provisions and are resorting to self-help to cause disruption,” he added.
At the centre of the controversy is what Egbo described as an “illegal Annual General Meeting” allegedly held by a group of 54 doctors.
He questioned the legitimacy of such actions, noting that the NMA represents over 50,000 medical practitioners nationwide.
“How can 54 individuals overturn decisions reached by over 50,000 doctors at a duly constituted AGM?” He asked, referencing the association’s last conference held in Calabar on May 11, 2026.
According to him, the group had initially requested an emergency delegates’ meeting but failed to meet constitutional requirements.
Rather than complying with due process, they allegedly convened their own parallel gathering.
Egbo traced the root of the dispute to the disqualification of six candidates from contesting in upcoming elections due to incomplete nomination forms.
He emphasised that the screening process was transparent and guided by pre-existing regulations.
“Out of 20 candidates, six failed to properly complete their forms. Even a sitting member of the National Officers’ Committee was disqualified. Where, then, is the bias?” He queried.
He further revealed that among four presidential aspirants, only one failed to meet the stipulated criteria, dismissing claims of targeted exclusion.
Egbo said the NMA leadership has reported the matter to security agencies, describing the actions of the breakaway group as “nefarious.”
Egbo also refuted reports that the association’s secretariat had been shut down, clarifying that security measures were taken to prevent unauthorised entry.
“They came with thugs to cause mayhem. We instructed security personnel to deny them access. The secretariat was never shut down,” he said, adding that CCTV footage exists to support the claim.
Reaffirming the authority of the current leadership under Professor Bala Audu, Egbo assured members and stakeholders that all scheduled activities, including the forthcoming Annual Delegates Meeting and elections, would proceed as planned.
He also acknowledged the role of the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining order during the incident.
In a closing appeal, NMA officials urged the media to exercise caution and uphold balanced reporting, warning that misinformation could mislead the public and harm ongoing partnerships tied to the association’s events.
They further cautioned individuals and organisations against taking sides with the alleged impostor group, insisting that there is only one recognised NMA leadership.
The association maintains that internal mechanisms, including the upcoming National Executive Council meeting, remain the appropriate channels for addressing grievances.
“We are calm, focused, and committed to due process. The NMA remains one and indivisible,” Egbo said.
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