Atiku demands transparency over the ₦10 billion Ebola preparedness fund, questions the government’s outbreak response and warns against using public health concerns to restrict political campaigns and democratic rights.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to provide a detailed account of the ₦10 billion approved for Ebola preparedness, while warning the Federal Government against using the outbreak to restrict political campaigns and citizens’ democratic rights.
Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, following the reported confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.
The former vice president urged the Federal Government to publish comprehensive details of the funds, including the amount disbursed, payment dates, contracts awarded, beneficiaries and items procured to strengthen the country’s preparedness against the disease.
In June 2026, President Tinubu approved the release of ₦10 billion as emergency intervention funding for Ebola preparedness and other emerging public health threats. The funding was intended to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and support national emergency response activities.
However, Atiku questioned the utilisation of the money, arguing that the reported case in Abuja had raised concerns about disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and the protection of healthcare workers.
He also questioned the timeline of the case, stating that the patient reportedly 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.
According to Atiku, the timeline raised questions about the speed of the response and the monitoring of people who had been in contact with the patient.
He further claimed that 44 close contacts had not been adequately monitored during the critical period and expressed concerns about the availability of protective equipment for healthcare workers who attended to the patient.
The former vice president called on the government to clarify when contact tracing began, when identified contacts were reached and what measures were taken to protect frontline medical personnel.
Atiku also questioned the effectiveness of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola preparedness established by Tinubu in June and chaired by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
He argued that medical experts, epidemiologists, doctors and public health professionals should take the lead in managing the outbreak, with government officials providing the necessary resources and administrative support.
The former vice president also raised concerns about a planned press conference by the Minister of Health, alleging that it could be used to discourage Nigerians from attending political rallies and participating in elections.
He warned the Federal Government against introducing measures that could undermine citizens’ democratic rights under the guise of responding to the public health emergency.
Atiku maintained that any restrictions introduced to contain the outbreak should be supported by clear medical evidence and applied fairly, without targeting political opponents or limiting voter participation.
He urged the government to prioritise transparency, strengthen contact tracing, provide adequate protective equipment for healthcare workers and communicate accurate information to the public.
The allegations concerning the Ebola preparedness funds, contact tracing and the possible restriction of political activities were contained in the ADC Presidential Campaign Council’s statement. The Federal Government’s response to the specific allegations was not included in the reports reviewed.
