Dr Ezoke Epoke, Chairman of the affiliation in Cross River, disclosed this throughout an interplay with journalists on Thursday in Calabar, elevating considerations over the credibility of the electoral course of.
Epoke mentioned the controversy centred on the disqualification of Dr Ofem Enang, a presidential contender, which had sparked widespread concern amongst members and stakeholders of the affiliation nationwide.
The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) experiences that Enang, a former Second Vice President and State Chairman, was disqualified from contesting for the affiliation’s prime management place.
NAN additionally experiences that the affiliation’s election is scheduled to carry in Kano throughout its Annual Delegates Assembly from April 26 to Might 3, 2026.
Epoke described the disqualification as unconstitutional and able to inflicting unrest and disunity inside the affiliation, warning that it may undermine confidence within the electoral course of.
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He mentioned stakeholders had criticised the choice as biased and illogical, describing it as a threat to the democratic rules guiding the affiliation’s electoral system.
In line with him, the affiliation’s structure outlines clear eligibility and nomination procedures and doesn’t empower the Nationwide Officers’ Committee to disqualify candidates beneath any circumstance.
He argued that administrative necessities, together with a number of curriculum vitae and passport images, couldn’t override constitutional provisions governing eligibility for contesting elective positions inside the affiliation.
“This growth has heightened tensions throughout branches, with many docs alleging makes an attempt to impose a most popular candidate, thereby undermining due course of and weakening institutional integrity,” he mentioned.
Epoke referred to as on previous presidents and elders of the occupation to intervene and restore credibility, warning that continued interference may fragment the affiliation alongside political and sectional strains.