By Aderogba George
The Committee of Past Presidents (CPP) of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for resolution of disputes arising from disqualification of some members from the association’s 2026 national election process ahead.
The appeal was contained in a statement signed by Prof. Dominic Osaghae and Prof. Wole Atoyebi, issued to news men in Abuja on Friday following deliberations by the committee members meeting.
The statement said the resolution followed critical appraisal of complaints regarding disqualification of candidates nominated for the 2026 NMA national election scheduled during the Annual Delegates Meeting in Kano State.
The committee noted that under Article 12(1)(h) of the association’s constitution, it served as the final arbiter in matters relating to interpretation of provisions guiding the Nigerian Medical Association electoral process.
It urged the National Officers Committee to grant all disqualified candidates a window before the Annual Delegates Meeting to present evidence of payment of practising fees as required by regulators.
According to the statement, candidates who provide verifiable evidence of payment of practising fees as stipulated by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria should be cleared to contest the election.
The committee emphasised that administrative requirements were not constitutionally mandatory for contesting elections, citing relevant constitutional provisions which did not make submission of additional documents a condition for eligibility.
It said candidates disqualified for failing to submit documents such as multiple passport photographs and copies of curriculum vitae should not be penalised, as those requirements lacked constitutional backing.
The statement added that if such administrative requirements were to be enforced in future elections, they should be formally incorporated into the constitution of the association through proper amendment procedures.
The committee expressed appreciation to the NMA President for anticipated cooperation and urged prompt implementation of its resolutions to address concerns and ensured a credible electoral process within the association.