Atiku accuses Tinubu government of using Ebola to discourage campaign rallies

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of attempting to use the recent Ebola outbreak in Nigeria as a pretext to discourage political campaign rallies and suppress voter participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

I am also alarmed by confirmed information that the Minister of Health’s press conference tomorrow is intended to discourage Nigerians from attending campaign rallies and, ultimately, from voting.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), raised these concerns following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja. He criticized the government’s handling of the health emergency, questioning the timeline of the patient’s detection and the management of identified contacts.

Trace every contact. Tell Nigerians the truth. Fight Ebola, and keep your hands off their right to assemble and choose their leaders.

In addition to his concerns regarding political suppression, Atiku demanded accountability for the ₦10 billion reportedly approved by President Tinubu in June for Ebola preparedness, alleging a breakdown in the government’s response despite the allocated funds.