Ebola, SDP Candidate Warns Against Shifting 2027 Elections

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has warned against attempts to cancel political campaigns or postpone the 2027 general elections following Nigeria’s reported Ebola case.

Adebayo spoke at a dinner organised by the leadership of his Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on Sunday, arguing that a single confirmed case was insufficient grounds to declare an epidemic or disrupt the electoral process.

He maintained that Nigeria could protect public health while allowing political parties to continue engaging voters, provided they complied with relevant health guidelines.

The presidential candidate cited Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak under former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying the response demonstrated the importance of transparency and coordinated action by health authorities.

He questioned the handling of the current situation and argued that public health concerns should not be used to justify restrictions on political participation.

Adebayo insisted that campaigns, rallies and the scheduled elections should proceed, urging Nigerians to participate in the democratic process while observing necessary precautions against infection.

His position comes amid discussions about whether the reported Ebola case could require restrictions on large gatherings. Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has said there is no immediate need to cancel political campaigns, conferences or other major gatherings, adding that any restrictions would depend on scientific evidence and consultations with public health experts.

Beyond the Ebola situation, Adebayo announced that his party had translated its manifesto into several Nigerian languages to make its policy proposals more accessible to voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the document was available in English, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, with additional versions in languages including Kanuri and Fulfulde.

The SDP candidate urged Nigerians to study the manifesto, question its proposals and assess the party’s plans on security, welfare and other responsibilities of government.

He said the campaign intended to encourage voters to engage directly with its policies rather than rely solely on political promises.

The party’s National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, commended Adebayo for presenting the manifesto ahead of the formal campaign season and making it available in multiple languages.

Gombe encouraged Nigerians to scrutinise the document and contribute ideas to the party’s policy proposals.

Adebayo said his campaign would continue its mobilisation while complying with applicable public health advice, maintaining that protecting citizens and preserving the electoral process should remain complementary objectives as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 polls.