NMA Suspends President Bala Audu Amid Election Turmoil

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) suspended its president, Bala Audu, during an emergency meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday. The meeting, attended by 63 delegates from 23 state branches and the Federal Capital Territory, resulted in the approval of a caretaker committee to oversee the association's affairs pending fresh elections scheduled for April 27 to May 3 in Kano.

The turmoil arose after Audu's committee disqualified six candidates from contesting in the upcoming national elections due to incomplete documentation. However, several delegates contested this decision, arguing it was inconsistent with established electoral practices within the association.

Following deliberations, the delegates voted to overturn the disqualification, which led to Audu's suspension for allegedly violating the association's constitution. In response, Audu and the national office committee rejected the suspension, claiming due process was not followed.

The NMA's Secretary General, Dr. Ben Egbo, confirmed that the annual delegate meeting would proceed as scheduled, emphasizing adherence to the association's constitution.