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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of politicising Nigeria’s Ebola response, urging him to avoid comments that could undermine public confidence in efforts to contain the disease.
The council said Atiku’s remarks on the government’s handling of the health emergency were inappropriate, arguing that political leaders should support health authorities at a time when public cooperation is critical.
The position was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, 2026, and signed by the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake.
The council particularly criticised a headline attributed to Atiku that connected President Bola Tinubu’s name with Ebola while questioning the use of the ₦10 billion approved for the emergency.
“We believe linking and rhyming President Bola Tinubu’s name to Ebola only risks turning a serious health concern into a vehicle to ridicule the President of the Federal Republic,” the statement said.
The APC council also responded to Atiku’s comments concerning the detection of a Nigerian who had travelled from Uganda and was subsequently confirmed to have contracted the disease.
It explained that Ebola has an incubation period of between two and 21 days, with symptoms usually appearing eight to 10 days after exposure.
“An infected person cannot spread or transmit Ebola to others until they actively develop symptoms,” the statement added.
According to the council, the infected Nigerian sought medical attention days after the initial exposure, and subsequent tests confirmed the infection.
On the ₦10 billion approved by Tinubu in June for the Ebola emergency, the council maintained that the money had not been spent.
“On accountability, the Atiku camp should note that the N10 billion the President approved for the Ebola emergency in June remains untouched, while the NCDC, FAAN, and other surveillance agencies have spent other available resources,” it said.
The council praised the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other surveillance agencies for monitoring entry points and responding to the threat.
It said their efforts helped alert the government to the index case and supported contact tracing involving 44 people who had come into contact with the infected patient.
The council argued that the agencies’ response deserved support rather than political criticism.
“A responsible opposition will applaud the Task Force for being responsive. But the Atiku camp always goes for cheap shots at the government,” the statement said.
It also disputed an allegation attributed to Atiku that a government briefing was intended to discourage Nigerians from attending political rallies or voting.
The council described the claim as speculative and challenged the former vice president to provide verifiable evidence to support it.
“Vice President Atiku cannot make such a serious allegation without verifiable evidence, especially in the thick of electioneering,” it said.
According to the APC council, the briefing did not address campaign rallies or voting but urged Nigerians to comply with safety protocols issued by the relevant task force.
The council called on opposition politicians and other public figures to communicate responsibly about the outbreak, avoid spreading rumours and encourage compliance with public health guidance.
“We advise Atiku Abubakar and his hirelings to avoid politicising public health issues,” the statement said.
It added that political differences should not take precedence over efforts to prevent the disease from spreading.
“A time like this demands that all Nigerians, including the opposition, rally around the health authorities and professionals, communicate responsibly, avoid rumour-mongering, and follow the protocols advised by the Task Force to ensure Ebola does not become a national epidemic.”
The council concluded that protecting the public should remain the priority as health authorities continue their response to the outbreak.
“Nigerians deserve, first of all, protection from the deadly disease,” it said.
