Prior to the 2023 elections, the Nigerian Medical Association has demanded that candidates for governor and president undergo psychiatric evaluations.
According to Punch news, the professional organization added that medical examinations of the candidates would give a thorough picture of how their bodies and systems compared to others who are vying for political office in the nation.
Many Nigerians argued over whether or not it was constitutional to demand that candidates undergo medical examinations to determine their state of health.
Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retired), the chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, sparked the controversy in April when he urged political parties to incorporate drug integrity tests into the selection procedures for candidates.
The NMA President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, listed the battery of exams that candidates should take to determine their state of health and fitness for office in an interview with the Press on Tuesday.
He declared: “Simple medical examinations, such as a chest X-ray, cardiac echocardiography, abdominal ultrasound scan, urinalysis, kidney function test, liver function test, blood pressure assessment, and blood glucose assessment, will provide one with a thorough understanding of the state of the body systems.
“Sadly, candidates for top positions in our public service, such as Chief Medical Director or Medical Director, are required to take these exams, but not those running for executive or legislative positions.
“Psychiatric testing is something else we want them to do”. According to the NMA president, these will thoroughly assess the candidates for Nigeria’s top position.
