Dr Bapigaan William Audu emerges New NMA Chairman Plateau State Chapter

Dr Bapigaan William Audu has emerged as the New Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Plateau State. In the election that took place on Friday 22nd July 2022 at Eliel Center, in Jos, the Plateau State capital. The election which began around 9am, saw a huge turnout of enthusiastic doctors, who defied the heave down pour which lasted for hours to exercise their franchise. Dr Bapigaan was announced winner after pulling the highest number of votes cast in a keenly contested and dynamic elections in the history of the association.

While declaring the results of the polls, Chairman of 2022 NMA Electoral Committee, Prof Chris Yilgwan declared Dr Bapigaan William Audu winner and returned him elected as Chairman of NMA Plateau State (2022-2024) after pulling a total of 244 votes out of a total of 676 accredited votes to beat his closest contenders Dr Nankling Lamu who pulled 195 votes, Dr Chris Samuel who pulled 126 votes and Dr Mbwas Mashor who pulled 105 votes.

In his acceptance speech, after the administration of oath of office by the Commissioner of Oath Barrister N. E Jamle, Dr Bapigaan William Audu declared that the outcome of the polls was a No-Victor, No-Vanquish verdict, stressing that the ultimate winner in the polls was the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). While addressing journalists at the following his declaration, Dr Bapigaan William Audu said that he was humbled by the outpour of love and support from his colleagues. He stressed that he wants to be remembered as a Chairman that led with the ethics of equity and fairness, a chairman that was deliberate that health outcomes for Plateau residents and indigenes improve the better promised.

He added that the achievements of the immediate past 2020-2022 EXCO led by Dr Innocent was a result of synergy between all the officers of the committee in which he served as Secretary, stressing that he will consolidate of the noble achievement

He extended the olive branch to those who contested with him, who incidentally served with him at different levels, promising to implement some of their noble ideas aimed at moving the association going forward.

While reacting to the outcome of the polls, immediate past Chairman of NMA Plateau State Dr Innocent Emmanuel, who was very excited expressed optimism that despite challenges his administration did very well in mobilizing and involving in the helms of affairs, while also addressing the welfare of members at the end of every year.

He expressed gladness finishing well for him meant handing over to an EXCO, not a caretaker, stressing the God has given the association a very competent and reliable hand in Dr Bapigaan William Audu. He commended the rare qualities of competence and dedication exhibited by Dr Bapigaan while he served as PRO and Secretary of the association, while also expressing confidence that those attributes will play a leading role in the future successes of the association under his leadership.

Dr Innocent promised to support the new regime led by Dr Bapigaan William Audu to succeed even beyond the level of achievements of the out gone administration. He called on all members to support Dr Bapigaan as they had supported him during his tenure. He used the opportunity to appreciate elders and affiliates of NMA for their support, while appealing to them to transfer such love to Dr Bapigaan William Audu.