GOMBE, NIGERIA – The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) is currently embroiled in a major scandal as fresh allegations of election fraud and deliberate manipulation have surfaced. A formal petition obtained by our news team details how key officials allegedly connived to install an ineligible candidate, Martins Mohammed Lekke, as the Chairman of the Gombe State Council in a highly controversial by-election.
According to the petition, signed by aggrieved financial members of NANNM, the election was marred by blatant irregularities, manipulation, and disregard for due process. The petitioners specifically accused the Returning Officer, Clifford Mafindi, and the National President’s representative, Laraba Mercy Lenka, of unlawfully overturning the official screening committee’s decision, which had initially disqualified Lekke due to clear eligibility defects.
See petition below:
How the Alleged Election Manipulation Unfolded: Disqualified Candidate Declared Winner –
The petitioners revealed that Lekke was originally deemed ineligible based on the February 14th screening report. However, in a shocking twist, officials reinstated him and declared him the winner despite his disqualification.
- Illegal Primaries Introduced – In a move described as unprecedented and unlawful, the election officials allegedly conducted a “primary election” not recognized by NANNM’s General Election Guidelines. This method, the petitioners argue, was used to push through a predetermined winner.
2 . National Vice President’s Alleged Involvement – The petition further implicated Jonathan Yusuf Lanipi, who was recently elevated to the position of National Vice President I and is now overseeing the North-East Zone. It claims that he played a significant role in manipulating the election process to ensure his preferred candidate emerged victorious.
3. Threat to Democracy and Professional Integrity – The petition warns that if such irregularities are allowed to persist, NANNM risks becoming a politically hijacked body where merit and fairness are sacrificed for personal interests. The authors stress that nurses, known for their dedication to justice and humanity, must not allow such injustice to stand.
Call for Immediate Action
The petitioners are demanding the immediate nullification of the by-election results and a fresh, transparent process based on the original screening committee’s findings. They have formally requested intervention from:
- NANNM National Headquarters
- The Honorable Attorney General of Gombe State
- The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State
- The Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Gombe State
- The Gombe State Commissioner for Health
Failure to act, they warn, could plunge the state council into deeper crisis, spark unrest among nurses, and tarnish NANNM’s credibility nationwide.
Is NANNM Leadership Ready to Clean Up This Mess?
With the scandal now making waves across the nursing community, all eyes are on NANNM’s national leadership. Will they act decisively to restore credibility, or will this become yet another case of impunity in Nigeria’s professional bodies?
As tensions rise, Nigerian nurses and stakeholders are waiting for answers. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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.
