Qualifications and Disqualifications
Following a protracted and often contentious electioneering period spanning over a month, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has elected Pharm. Aloba Olatunji Isaac as its new Chairman. Pharm. Aloba takes the helm from the outgoing Chairman, Pharm. Amade Enejoh, in an election that was fraught with controversy right up to the final day.
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The lead-up to the election was marred by significant internal conflict, ignited by the electoral committee’s decision to disqualify several aspirants, particularly those vying for the position of Chairman. The disqualifications were reportedly based on the aspirants’ failure to meet the stipulated requirements for holding office.
Mediation and Suspension
The ensuing weeks witnessed heated debates, numerous attempts at mediation by various stakeholders, and ultimately, the filing of lawsuits as fallouts of the electoral committee’s decisions. The National Executive Council (NEC) of the ACPN also attempted to intervene in the escalating dispute.
Adding another layer of complexity, a mail purportedly originating from the office of the ACPN National Chairman surfaced on March 25, 2025, just two days before the scheduled elections. This communication announced the suspension of the entire FCT Branch executive.
Pharm. Amade Enejoh, the outgoing Chairman, swiftly responded through the legal firm of Ola Olanipekun, SAN & Co. In a letter dated March 26, 2025, addressed to the National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, the legal representatives argued that the actions taken by the NEC were subjudice, as the matters were already before a court of law and yet to be determined.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges and the purported suspension of the executive, the electoral committee proceeded with the elections as planned on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The outcome of the election saw Pharm. Aloba emerge as the new Chairman of the ACPN FCT chapter.
Aloba Pleads for Support
In his appreciation letter released today, March 28, 2025, and sighted by AkweyaTV, Pharm. Aloba expressed his gratitude to the members for their support and placed significant emphasis on the integrity and professionalism of the electoral committee.
“Special appreciation to all members of the Electoral Committee for a job well done. Your professionalism, integrity, technical know-how and steadfastness, all came to bear in the discharge of your duties,” he stated.
Acknowledging the achievements of the previous administration, Pharm. Aloba pledged to build upon their successes. “The last administration worked and served as a team, hence, the huge success with eye boggling records. Most definitely, a pace has been set and I assure all members that with God on my side and your support, my team and I will work and build on the successes so far.”
“All Voices Will Be Heard And Re-echoed”
Looking ahead, the newly elected Chairman promised an inclusive and transparent leadership. “This administration shall be an all-inclusive one. And my team and I will operate an open-door policy with transparency and accountability as our watch word. In my administration, all voices will be heard and re-echoed. Constructive criticism will be noted and worked upon for the betterment of our dear Association.”
Pharm. Aloba concluded his address by appealing for unity and peace within the association. “Of course, the strength of an Association lies in the unity, love, and respect for one another. Let the passion we all have for the profession and our practice brings us together and not allow our ego and individual perceptive mindset to divide us. I plead for peace, love and unity, and let’s allow God to lead and direct our path in ACPN FCT.”
Congratulatory messages have begun to pour in for the newly elected Chairman. Pharm. Abdulkareem Bolaji, in a statement, heartily congratulated Pharm. Aloba, describing Aloba’s victory as “well-deserved and a testament to your dedication and passion for the profession.” Pharm. Bolaji urged the new Chairman to focus on “purposeful leadership and service delivery” and expressed confidence in his ability to lead with “vision, integrity, and impact.”
End of Turbulent Times for FCT Community Pharmacists?
It is unclear whether the election of Pharm. Aloba marks the end of a turbulent period for the ACPN FCT chapter. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining how the newly elected leadership will navigate the existing internal divisions and address the legal issues that remain unresolved. The community pharmacy fraternity in the FCT will be keenly watching to see if Pharm. Aloba’s call for unity and reconciliation will be heeded, ushering in a new era of stability and progress for the association.
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