Ebola in Abuja: FG says Patient Improving, 44 patients quarantined As 2027 Campaign Heat Up

Nigeria’s Ebola response and preparations for the 2027 general elections dominate headlines this Friday, as health authorities battle to contain a confirmed case in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed one case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease on October 20. According to the World Health Organization, the patient is a woman who arrived on an international flight from Uganda, developed symptoms on October 7 — four days after arriving in Nigeria — and sought care at a private facility in Abuja on October 11 before laboratory tests confirmed the virus.

Uganda’s Ministry of Health said the woman had travelled to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for business and transited through Uganda without symptoms in early October, noting that transit alone does not establish where she was infected.

She is currently isolated and receiving care, with officials reporting signs of improvement.

Health authorities have identified 44 close contacts who are being monitored and placed in designated quarantine facilities as part of Nigeria’s contact-tracing response. WHO said efforts to locate anyone else who may have been exposed are continuing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had established a Presidential Task Force on Ebola preparedness on June 9, before the case was confirmed, appointing Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila as chair and approving ₦10 billion for emergency preparedness.

The APC presidential campaign council says the ₦10 billion remains untouched — a claim that has intensified questions over the use of public funds.

Some Nigerians on social media alleged the government might use the outbreak to restrict movement and political activities after Christmas, potentially affecting voting. Official announcements describe only public-health measures and do not connect them to election activity.

African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore urged the government to explain its Ebola response and oppose limits on political participation ahead of 2027. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also cautioned against using Ebola as an excuse to discourage voting.

In Kaduna, medical scientists have suggested political parties consider virtual campaigns — via Zoom, social media and SMS — to reduce large physical gatherings.

Meanwhile, residents in Osun and Abuja have urged stronger vigilance, calling for effective surveillance and public awareness to protect communities.

2. Avoid contact with anyone showing fever, vomiting or bleeding

3. Report suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility or call NCDC

4. Avoid bushmeat and contact with bats/monkeys

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