The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) is facing intense scrutiny following allegations of electoral malpractice in the recent Gombe State by-election.
Concerned members have expressed deep disappointment over what they describe as a blatant disregard for democracy, transparency, and the rule of law within the association. A prominent member of NANNM, Abdulwahab Usman from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, has issued a clarion call, condemning the conduct of the election and demanding accountability.
In a strongly worded statement, Usman accused the association’s leadership of betraying the trust of its members by manipulating electoral processes and silencing dissenting voices. “The recent by-election was a travesty of justice. The rules and procedures that were put in place to ensure a free, fair, and transparent process were ignored, manipulated, and trampled upon. Members who raised legitimate concerns were silenced, sidelined, or dismissed. This is not democracy; this is dictatorship in disguise,” Usman stated.
According to reports, members who sought to challenge irregularities in the election were allegedly suppressed, raising fears about the erosion of internal democracy within NANNM. Usman, along with other concerned nurses, is calling for an independent investigation into the election’s conduct, insisting that those responsible for any wrongdoing be held accountable.
The controversy has sparked widespread outrage, with many nurses expressing their frustration over the perceived lack of integrity in the association’s leadership. Some fear that if these issues remain unaddressed, NANNM risks losing credibility and the trust of its members.
“This is not just about the elections; this is about the future of our association. If we allow this injustice to go unchallenged, we risk setting a dangerous precedent that will undermine the very foundation of our organization,”Usman warned.
He urged NANNM’s national leadership to take immediate action, listen to the grievances of its members, and restore faith in the association. Failure to address these concerns, he argued, could deepen divisions and further destabilize the union.
As the crisis unfolds, all eyes are on NANNM’s leadership to respond to the growing calls for justice and reform. The outcome of this dispute could shape the future of the association and its role in representing Nigerian nurses nationwide.
For now, the battle for accountability continues, with members determined to reclaim their association and uphold the principles of democracy, transparency, and fairness.
Charles Wealth is an accomplished healthcare administrator with decades of hands-on experience across various healthcare organizations in Nigeria and beyond. Known for his strategic leadership, operational excellence, and deep commitment to advancing the nursing profession, Charles brings a wealth of expertise to healthcare management, policy, and professional development.
As a co-founder and Editor at Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a pivotal role in shaping content that educates, inspires, and unites nurses across the continent. His editorial vision focuses on amplifying the voices of nurses, highlighting best practices, addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare, and promoting professional growth within the nursing community.
With a strong background in healthcare administration, Charles is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical practice and effective leadership. He continues to contribute significantly to the development of robust healthcare systems and the empowerment of nurses through knowledge sharing and advocacy.
