A campaign group backing a University of Calabar academic for the presidency of the Nigerian Medical Association has raised the alarm over what it describes as the unlawful disqualification of its candidate, warning that the move threatens the integrity of the association's electoral process.
The Renaissance 2026 Campaign Team, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Ezoke Epoke, on Tuesday, said the alleged disqualification of Professor Ofem Enang, a Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Calabar, was "unconstitutional" and procedurally indefensible.
"This decision is deeply concerning, procedurally flawed, and raises constitutional issues. Dr. Enang fully met all constitutional requirements for nomination, endorsement, and submission of his forms within the designated timelines. Yet he was not informed of any deficiencies nor allowed clarification or a fair hearing," the statement read.
The group cited Article 11 of the NMA Constitution, which it said guarantees all eligible members the right to contest elections upon meeting nomination requirements. It noted that Enang submitted his nomination form in person alongside endorsements from seven state chairmen before the deadline, and argued that no provision in the constitution empowers the National Officers' Committee or any individual to unilaterally remove a properly nominated candidate.
"To disqualify Dr. Enang without explanation is a violation of due process and sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine the credibility of the NMA electoral process," the statement added.
The campaign team called for Enang's immediate reinstatement and appealed to former NMA Presidents, past secretaries general, and other stakeholders to intervene. "This issue is bigger than Dr. Enang. It is about defending the integrity of the NMA, protecting democracy, and upholding the rule of law within our profession," it said.
Enang entered the NMA presidential race on a reform platform, announcing his candidacy on 11 January with a blueprint he titled "Renaissance 2026: The Rebirth of Excellence." He described the initiative as a framework for rebuilding institutions and restoring confidence in a profession, he said has been weakened by poor welfare conditions, mass emigration, eroded earnings, and repeated breaches of agreements by the government. His agenda, he said, rests on five pillars, with doctors' welfare as its foundation.
