APC Accuses Atiku of Politicising Ebola Outbreak, Defends Tinubu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of politicising Nigeria’s Ebola outbreak, arguing that the public health emergency requires cooperation rather than political attacks.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its spokesperson, Dele Alake, the council faulted Atiku’s criticism of the Federal Government’s response following confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.

The council objected to the former vice-president’s reference to President Bola Tinubu’s name in connection with the outbreak, saying it risked turning a serious health concern into an opportunity for political ridicule.

Atiku had called on the President to account for the ₦10 billion approved in June for Ebola preparedness. He questioned the country’s surveillance and emergency response, including the timeline for identifying the infection, monitoring contacts and protecting healthcare workers. He also demanded details of the funds released, contracts awarded and supplies delivered.

In response, the APC council maintained that the ₦10 billion allocation remained untouched, claiming that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other surveillance agencies had relied on other available resources.

It commended health officials for surveillance at Nigeria’s entry points, which it said helped alert authorities to the case and initiate contact tracing involving 44 people.

The council also addressed concerns about the timeline of the infection, noting that Ebola’s incubation period ranges from two to 21 days and that infected individuals generally become capable of transmitting the virus after developing symptoms.

It rejected Atiku’s suggestion that a government briefing was intended to discourage Nigerians from attending political rallies or voting, challenging him to provide verifiable evidence to support the allegation.

The APC council urged opposition figures to avoid spreading rumours or politicising public health matters, stressing that political leaders should support health professionals, communicate responsibly and encourage compliance with official guidance.

It said the priority should be protecting Nigerians and preventing the outbreak from developing into a wider public health crisis.