Ebola Outbreak: Atiku Demands Account Of ₦10bn Fund, Warns Tinubu Against Restricting Campaigns

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to account for the ₦10 billion reportedly approved for Ebola preparedness, alleging that the confirmed case in Abuja has raised serious questions about the country’s public health readiness.

Atiku also warned the Federal Government against using the Ebola outbreak as a justification to restrict political rallies or discourage Nigerians from participating in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, the former vice president demanded a public account of the funds, including details of disbursements, contracts awarded, beneficiaries and items procured.

He argued that Nigerians deserved transparency over the emergency funding, particularly in the wake of concerns about disease surveillance, contact tracing and the protection of frontline health workers.

“Where is the money? Publish the amount actually disbursed, the dates of payment, every contract awarded, every recipient and every item delivered,” Atiku said.

He maintained that if the money had not been released, the administration should explain why it announced emergency funding without ensuring that the resources reached the agencies and personnel responsible for protecting public health.

According to Atiku, the circumstances surrounding the reported Ebola case raised questions about the effectiveness of the country’s preparedness and response mechanisms.

He cited a timeline indicating that the patient arrived in Nigeria on October 5, developed symptoms on October 7 and sought medical attention at a private hospital on October 11, while the government publicly confirmed the case on October 20.

Atiku said the interval between the patient’s reported hospital visit and the public announcement required clarification, particularly regarding the monitoring of 44 close contacts and the availability of protective equipment for healthcare workers.

He called on the government to explain the steps taken to establish the patient’s travel and exposure history, monitor contacts and provide adequate protection for medical personnel who handled the case.

“The government must disclose what happened at every stage,” he said, insisting that Nigerians deserved answers about the response and that any officials found responsible for lapses should be held accountable.

The former vice president also questioned the leadership structure of the Presidential Task Force announced by Tinubu in June, which he said was chaired by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

He argued that the response to a public health emergency should be driven by medical professionals and specialists, including epidemiologists, doctors and public health experts, with the necessary authority and resources to act.

Atiku cautioned against allowing political considerations to overshadow technical expertise in managing the outbreak, stressing that effective surveillance, contact tracing and hospital preparedness required coordinated action by qualified health professionals.

Beyond the public health concerns, the ADC chieftain expressed apprehension that the outbreak could disrupt economic activities and worsen the difficulties faced by Nigerians amid the prevailing economic challenges.

He further alleged that a planned press conference by the Minister of Health could be used to discourage Nigerians from attending campaign rallies and participating in elections.

Atiku questioned the minister’s role in communicating the government’s response, alleging that the ministry had not been adequately involved in the Ebola prevention programme.

He, however, did not provide supporting evidence in the statement for his allegation that the proposed health briefing was intended to restrict political activities.

The former vice president insisted that any restrictions introduced in response to the outbreak must be supported by clear medical evidence, applied fairly and must not be used to undermine citizens’ democratic rights.

According to him, the government must ensure that public health measures remain focused on containing the disease rather than becoming instruments for political advantage.

“The Tinubu administration must not weaponise Ebola to frighten the public, silence its opponents or suppress voter participation,” Atiku said.

He urged the Federal Government to account for the emergency funds, strengthen measures to protect health workers, ensure effective monitoring of contacts and provide Nigerians with timely and accurate information about the outbreak.

Atiku concluded that transparency, professional leadership and respect for democratic freedoms were essential to maintaining public confidence during a public health emergency.

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