ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to account for the ₦10 billion reportedly ordered for Ebola emergency preparedness, following a confirmed case in Abuja.
Atiku, in an announcement issued on Friday via his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for claiming that the funds remained untouched whereas defending the federal government’s dealing with of the well being emergency.
The assertion, titled The APC Only Found a Rhyme in Bola and Ebola, questioned why the federal government had not offered documentary proof of the fund’s launch and expenditure.
“These aren’t just rhyming words; the effect of Bola’s policies is as deadly as the dreaded Ebola,” the assertion mentioned.
It added that the APC had centered on Atiku’s criticism quite than offering solutions in regards to the emergency funds.
“@atiku asked for the money trail and an account of the emergency response. The party in power came back with a pronunciation lesson. What an extraordinary way to tell a frightened country it has no answers,” the assertion mentioned.
According to the assertion, the Presidency introduced on 9 June that Tinubu had ordered the quick launch of ₦10 billion for Ebola emergency preparedness.
However, it mentioned the APC had subsequently claimed that the cash remained untouched, describing the place as an indictment of the administration.
“Was the money released or was it not? If it was released, where is it held, who controls it, and why has it not been used for the preparedness President Tinubu announced? If it was never released, why was an order for its immediate release announced in June?” the assertion requested.
The assertion referred to as on the federal government to publish the discharge paperwork, account data and expenditure stories of the Ebola Task Force to make clear the standing of the funds.
“Insulting Atiku Abubakar will not account for one naira,” it added.
Questions Over Ebola Response Timeline
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council additionally questioned the timeline of the federal government’s response to the confirmed Ebola case, calling for particulars of when the an infection was suspected and when public well being authorities started taking motion.
Citing the World Health Organization’s account, the assertion mentioned the affected person developed signs on 7 October, sought care at a non-public facility on 11 October and obtained laboratory affirmation on 20 October.
It requested when Ebola was first suspected, when public well being authorities have been alerted, when testing was ordered and when contact tracing started.
“The APC claims surveillance ‘tipped off’ the government. Then publish the timeline. Name the agency that raised the alert, give the date and explain the action taken,” the assertion mentioned.
It additionally questioned the APC’s presentation of the 44 recognized contacts as proof of its response.
“44 identified contacts are people whose health must be protected. They are not a trophy for an APC press release,” it added.
The assertion pressured the necessity to shield well being staff treating the affected person and tracing contacts, insisting that scrutiny of the federal government’s preparedness shouldn’t be interpreted as an assault on these responding to the outbreak.
“Health workers treating the patient and tracing contacts deserve protection, equipment and every resource needed to act quickly. Questioning the government’s preparedness is no insult to them,” it mentioned.
Atiku’s Camp Warns Against Political Use Of Health Emergency
The assertion additionally raised considerations about the potential for public well being restrictions affecting political campaigns or voting, urging the federal government to offer clear explanations for any proposed measures.
It referred to as on the administration to publish any proposed restrictions, their medical justification and the recommendation of well being authorities.
“Public health guidance must protect people. It must never become a political tool,” the assertion mentioned.
Reiterating its demand for accountability, the ADC Presidential Campaign Council mentioned the federal government ought to resolve the obvious contradiction between the Presidency’s June announcement and the APC’s declare that the funds remained untouched.
“President Tinubu ordered ₦10 billion released in June. His party now says it is untouched. That contradiction came from the Presidency and the APC. They should resolve it with records,” the assertion mentioned.
It concluded by demanding a proof of the fund’s standing, an in depth account of the response timeline and ample safety for well being staff.
“Show Nigerians where the money is. Explain the response timeline. Protect health workers. Trace every contact. President Tinubu and the APC owe the country answers not ‘Bola-Ebola’ tales.”
The assertion was signed by Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication on the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, and dated 23 October 2026.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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