The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has demanded an explanation from President Bola Tinubu over the ₦10 billion reportedly approved for Ebola preparedness, accusing the Federal Government of failing to ensure adequate protection and response measures following the confirmation of a case in Abuja.
Atiku also warned the administration against using the public health emergency to restrict political gatherings or discourage Nigerians from participating in the 2027 electoral process.
The demands were contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21, by Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s campaign spokesman.
Atiku called for a comprehensive account of the emergency funding, including details of disbursements, contracts and the delivery of supplies intended to strengthen the country’s preparedness.
“Where is the money? Publish the amount actually disbursed, the dates of payment, every contract awarded, every recipient and every item delivered.
“If the money was not released, Tinubu must explain why he announced emergency funding that never reached the people responsible for protecting Nigerians. A press statement cannot replace an audit,” he said.
The Federal Government confirmed an Ebola case in Abuja on Tuesday, October 20, involving a patient who travelled to Nigeria from Uganda.
Health authorities subsequently began contact tracing, identifying 44 close contacts.
Atiku questioned the timeline of the response, alleging that the patient arrived in Nigeria on October 5, developed symptoms on October 7 and sought treatment at a private hospital on October 11, while public confirmation came on October 20.
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He said the interval raised concerns about surveillance, contact tracing and the protection of frontline medical workers.
“The government must disclose what happened at every stage. What travel history and exposure screening were conducted? What follow-up began when the patient developed symptoms? When were the 44 contacts first reached and monitored?
“Why were frontline staff left without the protection they needed? Nigerians deserve answers, and those responsible for these failures must be held accountable,” Atiku said.
He also questioned the effectiveness of the Presidential Task Force announced by Tinubu in June and chaired by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, arguing that medical experts should lead the response.
Atiku further alleged that an upcoming health briefing could be used to discourage campaign rallies and voter participation, warning that public health measures must be based on medical evidence and applied equally.
“The Tinubu administration must not weaponise Ebola to frighten the public, silence its opponents or suppress voter participation.
“Any public health measure must be backed by clear medical evidence, applied equally and never used as a pretext to interfere with Nigerians’ democratic rights,” he said.
The allegations concerning the funding and the intended purpose of the health briefing were not independently established in the statement. The government’s response to Atiku’s demands was not included.
Atiku concluded by demanding accountability for the funds, adequate protection for health workers, effective contact tracing and respect for Nigerians’ democratic rights.