The crisis rocking the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) seems to be intensifying as over 200 delegates are scheduled to meet in Abuja on Wednesday for an Emergency Delegates Meeting over the disqualification of candidates for the ADM elections.

The disqualification of six aspirants had recently attracted widespread criticisms from certain quarters, with some of the affected candidates calling for the intervention of state chairmen and past presidents of the association.

In a statement issued yesterday in Lokoja, Chairman of States Chairmen of NMA, Dr Oreyemi Ifedayo, noted that the disqualifications, announced in recent weeks, have been condemned by state chairmen, caucuses, and the Committee of Past Presidents, who want NMA President, Bala Audu, to reverse the decision.

Ifedayo explained that the Emergency Delegate Meeting became imperative after interventions failed.

He observed that the Committee of Past Presidents has met and resolved that these disqualifications must be reversed to ensure a level playing field, adding that the committee’s decisions are final under the constitution.

HOWEVER, the leadership crisis in the Lagos State chapter of the NMA deepened after members removed the chairman, Dr Babajide Kehinde Saheed, despite an earlier warning from the national body against an alleged unconstitutional gathering.

Saheed was removed on Saturday during an emergency general meeting of the association, where Dr Ewunowo Femidire, the first vice chairman, emerged as the new chairman.

Before the meeting, however, the NMA national secretariat had, in a letter made available to The Guardian, cautioned against any gathering that failed to meet the constitutional requirements of the association.

In the letter dated April 17, 2026, and signed by the Secretary General, Dr Benjamin Egbo, the national body said it would not recognise any proceedings, resolutions or outcomes arising from such meetings.

The letter, addressed to Saheed, read: “Please note that the Nigerian Medical Association National Officers’ Committee will not recognise or honour any proceedings, resolutions, or outcomes arising from meetings or gatherings that fall short of the constitutional requirements of the Association.”

It added, “You are kindly advised to maintain calm while ensuring that due process and constitutional order are upheld.”

Despite the warning, the Lagos chapter went ahead with the meeting, where Femidire defended the action and said due process was followed.

He said Saheed was served a letter to explain alleged constitutional infractions within seven days, but failed to respond.

“Before now, I was the first vice-chairman, the first vice-chairman that was elected. The chairman was duly served a letter to explain his side regarding some constitutional infractions within seven days, as stipulated, but he did not respond,” he said.

He added, “It was on that basis, and in line with our rules and regulations, that the Congress, in their wisdom, decided that the chairman be removed from office.”

But Saheed rejected the move, describing it as unconstitutional and without legal basis.

In a statement, he said, “This action is not only unlawful but also constitutes a clear violation of the Constitution of the Nigerian Medical Association, which provides explicit guidelines and due process for the election, tenure, and, where necessary, removal of elected officers.”

He added, “The chairman was duly elected by the general membership of the association and remains the legitimate office holder. Any attempt to undermine this mandate through irregular and unauthorised means is of no effect.”

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Saheed again insisted that he remains in office and said his position as a member of the National Executive Council supports his claim.