NANNM Members Petition Electoral Committee Over Alleged Bias, Procedural Irregularities in FMC Abeokuta Election

Concerned members of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, have petitioned the association's Electoral Committee over what they described as perceived bias, procedural irregularities and possible inconsistencies in the application of eligibility requirements ahead of the forthcoming unit election.

In the petition addressed to the Chairman and members of the Electoral Committee, the concerned members called for greater transparency, impartiality and uniform application of the rules governing the electoral process.

The petitioners stressed that their concerns were not intended to prejudge the eligibility of any candidate or interfere with the constitutional responsibilities of the Electoral Committee, but rather to seek clarification and assurances that all candidates would be subjected to the same rules and documentary requirements.

One of the major issues raised was the reported establishment and use of a WhatsApp platform for the activities and communication of the Electoral Committee.

According to the petitioners, while the use of an electronic platform for administrative purposes was not objectionable in itself, questions had been raised about who authorised, created and currently controls the platform.

They consequently asked the Electoral Committee to clarify the constitutional, regulatory or administrative basis for the platform and whether the State NANNM structure has any decision-making authority over the Electoral Committee.

The petitioners also raised concerns regarding the professional practising licences of some candidates who reportedly participated in the screening exercise.

They specifically requested verification of reports concerning a candidate whose practising licence was allegedly not valid at the time of screening, as well as another candidate who reportedly could not produce the relevant licence during screening but indicated that the licence was undergoing renewal.

The concerned members, however, acknowledged that the allegations required proper verification, stressing that they were not asking the committee to act on hearsay or unsubstantiated information.

They urged the committee to establish clearly whether a valid professional practising licence is a mandatory requirement and, if so, to apply the requirement uniformly to all candidates.

The petitioners further asked the Electoral Committee to clarify the precise date on which eligibility is determined, whether a licence undergoing renewal satisfies the applicable requirement, whether evidence of renewal is acceptable, and whether any candidate has been granted an exception or concession.

They also requested that, where an exception has been granted, the committee identify the specific rule, regulation or constitutional provision authorising such action.

On procedural fairness, the group urged the committee to ensure that screening decisions are based on objective, verifiable and uniformly applied criteria.

They further appealed that where the eligibility of any candidate is questioned, the affected individual should be given a reasonable opportunity to provide clarification or supporting documentation before a final decision is reached.

The petitioners called on the Electoral Committee to review relevant screening records where necessary and formally clarify the issues raised.

They also requested assurances that the election would be conducted in accordance with applicable NANNM rules, regulations and constitutional provisions, with all candidates treated equally and screening decisions based on verifiable evidence.

The petition was copied to the Chairman of NANNM, Ogun State, and the President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Abuja.

The concerned members said their intervention was aimed at protecting the credibility of the election and strengthening members' confidence in the process.

They urged the Electoral Committee to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, accountability, due process and equal treatment in the conduct of the forthcoming NANNM Unit Election at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.