Ebola: Atiku Accuses Tinubu Govt of Failing to Account for ₦10bn, Warns Against Voter Suppression
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to account for ₦10 billion reportedly approved for Ebola preparedness, demanding a comprehensive audit of the funds following the reported confirmation of a case in Abuja.
Atiku also warned the Federal Government against using the public health emergency to restrict political gatherings or discourage Nigerians from participating in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, the former vice-president questioned the government’s preparedness, surveillance measures and protection of frontline health workers.
He called on the administration to disclose how much of the announced emergency funding had been released, the dates of disbursement, contracts awarded, beneficiaries and items supplied.
“Tinubu must account for the ₦10 billion he said would be released immediately in June,” Atiku said, according to the statement.
He added that if the money had not been disbursed, the government should explain why it announced emergency funding without ensuring that the resources reached the agencies responsible for protecting public health.
Atiku argued that a public statement on the funding could not substitute for an independent audit and transparent accounting of the expenditure.
Atiku questions Ebola response timeline
The former vice-president also raised concerns about the timeline of the reported case, citing information that the patient arrived in Nigeria on October 5, developed symptoms on October 7 and sought treatment at a private hospital on October 11.
According to the statement, the government did not publicly confirm the case until October 20, nine days after the patient first sought medical attention.
Atiku claimed that 44 close contacts had remained unmonitored during the period and questioned whether adequate protective equipment had been provided to health workers who attended to the patient.
He called on the government to disclose the screening and follow-up procedures conducted, when contact tracing commenced, when the identified contacts were reached and what measures were taken to protect frontline personnel.
The ADC campaign council said Nigerians deserved clear answers on the handling of the case and called for accountability over any established failures in preparedness or response.
Atiku also questioned the structure of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness, which he said was announced in June under the chairmanship of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
He maintained that medical experts, epidemiologists, doctors and public health professionals should lead the technical response, with the necessary authority and resources to contain the outbreak.
According to him, political appointments should not overshadow the expertise required for disease surveillance, contact tracing, hospital preparedness and emergency response.
Ex-VP warns against restricting political activities
Atiku further expressed concern that the Ebola outbreak could compound the economic difficulties facing Nigerians by disrupting movement, livelihoods and commercial activities.
He accused the administration of failing to adequately prepare for the public health challenge and warned against measures that could unnecessarily deepen public anxiety.
The former vice-president also alleged that a planned press conference by the Minister of Health was intended to discourage Nigerians from attending political rallies and, ultimately, voting in the 2027 elections.
He questioned the minister’s role in the Ebola preparedness programme and made claims about funding for the ministry in the 2025 appropriation.
However, the statement did not provide documentary evidence establishing that the planned press conference was intended to restrict political participation or substantiate the allegations concerning the ministry’s involvement and funding.
Atiku insisted that any restrictions introduced in response to the outbreak should be guided by medical evidence, applied fairly and should not serve as a pretext for interfering with Nigerians’ democratic rights.
“The Tinubu administration must not weaponise Ebola to frighten the public, silence its opponents or suppress voter participation,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to account for the announced emergency funds, protect health workers, trace all identified contacts and provide the public with accurate information about the outbreak.
The allegations concerning the funding, the handling of the case and the alleged intention to restrict political activities were made by Atiku through the ADC Presidential Campaign Council. The statement did not include a response from the Federal Government.
The controversy comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the outbreak raising questions about public health preparedness, government accountability and the need to balance disease-control measures with civil liberties.
