In his stead, the association’s 1st Vice Chairman, Dr. Temidire Ewonowo, has assumed leadership in line with provisions of the NMA constitution.

However, the ousted chairman has rejected the decision, describing the process as unconstitutional and invalid.

Officials at the meeting said the move followed alleged constitutional breaches and the chairman’s failure to convene an emergency meeting requested by affiliate bodies within the required timeframe.

Dr. Ewonowo explained that the process was initiated after several affiliate groups demanded an emergency congress over alleged violations of the association’s rules. He also accused the former chairman of walking out of a prior emergency meeting and submitting an unapproved delegate list, which they said contributed to disciplinary action.

The decision was taken via secret ballot during the EGM, with 93 members voting for removal, four against, and three votes invalid. Organisers insisted the quorum and constitutional requirements were met.

Dr. Ewonowo said the transition aligns with the association’s rules, adding that the vice chairman automatically assumes leadership when a chairman is removed. He pledged to stabilise the association and prioritise doctors’ welfare in Lagos.

But Dr. Saheed maintained that he remains the legitimate chairman, insisting that due process was not followed and rejecting the outcome of what he described as an “unconstitutional” meeting.

The development has effectively split the Lagos NMA branch, with both sides standing firm on their positions amid deepening internal tensions.

The rally, which took place as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wrapped up its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2026/2027 polls, drew participants from Boluwaduro, Ifedayo, and Ila-Orangun councils.

The women gathered first at the Ila-Orangun family residence of former Governor Chief Bisi Akande before marching through key parts of the town, including Ile-Obalumon, Oke-Ede, Oja, Ita Aperin, Ajegunle, Ile Obasolo, Ile Oloye, Ile-Aseda, and Afin.

Organised under the platform “AIO’s Women” and coordinated by Mrs Tawakalt Suleiman, the group later joined the House of Representatives hopeful at the Orangun of Ila’s palace, where the rally continued under security supervision.

Suleiman said the mobilisation was part of efforts to drum up support for President Bola Tinubu, the APC governorship candidate, and Adeniyi Ismail Oluwatosin ahead of the elections, adding that the group had been actively engaging voters through door-to-door campaigns and CVR mobilisation.

Adeniyi, speaking at the APC secretariat, expressed confidence in an APC victory, citing strong grassroots mobilisation by youths and women across the constituency.

He added that residents of the three councils were eager for change and would support the party in the 2026 elections, while urging continued grassroots campaigning across wards and polling units.

A source at Army Headquarters told The Nation that soldiers also dismantled illegal bunkering sites in Rivers State, recovering equipment used for illicit activities.

In Kogi State, troops of 12 Brigade working with police and vigilantes arrested two suspected terrorists during operations in Kakuma Ileteju/Origa and Ijumu communities.

In Kaduna State, another operation in Afaka led to the arrest of a suspected terrorist who reportedly confessed to abandoning a camp following internal conflicts among group members.

Troops of the COAS Battalion VII, alongside 8 Division Stalkers, also cleared several communities in Tangaza LGA, destroyed suspected terrorist hideouts, and recovered military camouflage materials. A Nigerien national held captive for over three weeks was rescued during the operation.

In Niger State, soldiers destroyed terror camps and illegal mining sites, arrested five suspects, and safely disposed of an explosive device.

Further successes were recorded in Kwara and Edo States, where troops rescued kidnapped victims, while in Delta State, a suspected IPOB-linked figure was arrested.

In Akwa Ibom, anti-drug raids led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of large quantities of illicit substances and cash.

In Plateau State, troops intercepted criminal suspects and recovered firearms, ammunition, motorcycles, phones, and cash.

In Abia State, soldiers also uncovered sacks of suspected stolen crude oil hidden along the Imo River axis as operations continue nationwide.