Tinubu’s campaign council knocks Atiku over claim on Ebola

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of politicising Nigeria’s Ebola response, insisting that approved emergency funds remain untouched.

The council’s spokesperson, Mr Dele Alake, said this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.

Daily Trust reports that President Bola Tinubu approved N10 billion for the Ebola emergency in June.

But in his response, Alake said relevant agencies deployed other available resources.

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.

The council also defended the handling of the infected Nigerian’s detection, citing the virus’s incubation period and the timing of symptoms.

For anyone infected with the virus, the incubation period ranges from two to 21 days, with symptoms typically appearing eight to 10 days after exposure. An infected person cannot spread or transmit Ebola to others until they actively develop symptoms.

The council also rejected Atiku’s allegation that a ministerial briefing was intended to discourage Nigerians from attending campaign rallies or voting. Alake described the allegation as speculative, adding that the briefing instead urged Nigerians to comply with protocols announced by the task force.

A responsible opposition will applaud the Task Force for being responsive. But the Atiku camp always goes for cheap shots at the government.

We advise Atiku Abubakar and his hirelings to avoid politicising public health issues.

The council said protecting Nigerians from the deadly disease should remain the priority.