More than 1,000 doctors from across Nigeria are set to elect new national officers of the Nigerian Medical Association at its 66th Annual General Conference and Delegates Meeting scheduled to hold in Kano in May 2026.

The election, which will be conducted during the conference beginning on Sunday, May 3, marks a historic shift for the association, as it will be the first-ever delegates’ election following a recent amendment to the NMA constitution.

Speaking amid concerns over alleged internal tensions on Friday, the Secretary-General of the NMA, Ben Egbo, dismissed claims of a crisis within the association, insisting that the process leading to the elections remains credible and constitutionally guided.

“The NMA, under the leadership of its President, Bala Muhammad Audu, is expected to host over 1,000 accredited delegates drawn from its 37 state branches and eight affiliate bodies, making the gathering one of the largest in its history.

“The conference, themed ‘Bridging Research, Policy and Practice: Strengthening Nigeria’s Health System for Resilience and Equity,’ is expected to provide a high-level platform for deliberations on critical challenges in Nigeria’s health sector.”

Egbo explained that the association’s leadership structure is anchored on a rotational system across seven geopolitical zones, designed to ensure fairness and national spread.

“The system is designed in such a way that the presidency rotates among the seven zones. I wish Nigeria could adopt that system—it would promote a lot of peace,” he said.

He noted that the current leadership, including himself and the NMA President, are from the North-East geopolitical zone, in line with the established rotation principle.

“As it stands now, myself and the President are from the North-East. It is our turn,” he added.

The forthcoming election comes against the backdrop of disagreements within sections of the association, including the disqualification of some aspirants. However, Egbo maintained that all actions taken were in line with the NMA’s constitution and guidelines.

“When some individuals were disqualified, there was initial sympathy, but we are guided by rules and regulations—it is not a matter of sentiment,” he said.

He criticised what he described as “unconstitutional actions” by aggrieved individuals attempting to challenge the process outside established channels.

“You can imagine a situation where someone claims to have overthrown a government—does it happen that way? That is not how institutions operate,” Egbo stated.

He further warned against attempts to destabilise the association.

“Must it get to this extent? If you cannot achieve your aim, must you destroy the system?”

Despite the tensions, the secretary-general insisted that there is no threat of factionalisation within the body.

“The issue of balkanisation or factionalisation of the NMA does not arise in any way. I can assure you of that,” he said.

On preparations for the conference, Egbo said Kano State is fully prepared to host the event, with security agencies already engaged to ensure a smooth and peaceful gathering.

“We have no fear of any disruption in Kano, as we are in constant contact with security agencies,” he said.

He disclosed that more than 700 delegates have already registered, with the number expected to exceed 1,000 before the conference begins.

“Kano is fully ready. The NMA has 37 state branches and eight registered affiliate bodies. Over 700 delegates have registered, and more are expected,” he added.

The Kano State Government, according to him, is working closely with the Local Organising Committee and security agencies to ensure seamless coordination.

Egbo also called on the media to uphold professionalism by ensuring balanced and accurate reporting of developments within the association.

“Whenever you hear such information, try to get the other side. We must ensure balanced reporting,” he said.

He expressed concern over reports suggesting that the NMA secretariat had been shut down due to the crisis, describing such claims as inaccurate.

“The secretariat was fully operational, with staff working in preparation for the conference,” he clarified.

The Nigerian Medical Association is the umbrella body for all medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria, with a strong presence across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Its Annual General Conference and Delegates Meeting remains the association’s highest decision-making forum, where key policies are debated and leadership transitions are effected.

This year’s conference is particularly significant, not only because it will usher in a new set of national officers but also due to the introduction of a delegates-based electoral system—seen as a major step towards strengthening internal democracy within the association.