Prof. Ofem Enang Challenges "Purported Disqualification" from 2026 NMA Presidential Race; Cites Constitutional Breach

NMA presidential hopeful Prof. Ofem Enang challenges his disqualification, citing a breach of the association's constitution. Read about the growing election crisis.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 4:44 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

A Constitutional Standoff in Medical Leadership

The 2026 Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) presidential race has entered a period of significant legal and administrative turbulence following the controversial disqualification of Prof. Ofem Enang. Enang, a Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, has issued a formal protest, asserting that there is no legitimate basis for his removal from the ballot. In a letter dated March 17, 2026, addressed to NMA President Prof. Bala Audu, Enang characterized the move as a radical departure from the established provisions of the association's constitution, specifically citing violations of Articles 4 and 11.

Allegations of Procedural Irregularity

Prof. Enang maintains that he has met all rigorous constitutional requirements for nomination, including the timely submission of all necessary documentation. His protest highlights several critical procedural failures, including a total breach of the right to a fair hearing and an improper reliance on criteria not found within the NMA’s governing documents. According to the Professor, Article 11 does not grant the National Officers Committee or any individual the authority to unilaterally disqualify a candidate without a transparent due process. He emphasized that the credibility of the NMA relies on maintaining a level playing field similar to the one enjoyed by past presidents during their own campaigns.

Cross River State Branch Issues Stern Warning

The Cross River State branch of the NMA has moved swiftly to support Prof. Enang, with Branch Chairman Dr. Ezoke Ekpoke emphatically rejecting the disqualification. Ekpoke warned that the association is on the verge of setting a "dangerous precedent," noting that the NMA has no historical record of disqualifying aspirants in this manner. According to the state branch, the refusal to reinstate Enang could lead to a complete breakdown of the association’s institutional framework. Local leaders are calling on influential members within the national body to intervene immediately to prevent a full-blown leadership crisis that could paralyze the association.