‘It’s Not An Epidemic’ — Adewole Adebayo Warns Against Shifting 2027 Election Over Ebola

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has warned against cancelling political campaigns or postponing the 2027 general election over Nigeria’s reported Ebola case.

Adebayo made the remarks on Sunday, October 25, at a dinner organised by his Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, arguing that a single confirmed case was insufficient to describe the situation as an epidemic or justify disrupting the electoral process.

According to the candidate, Nigeria should strengthen public health precautions while allowing democratic activities to continue. He maintained that the country could protect citizens without automatically cancelling rallies, suspending campaigns or shifting the election timetable.

“Ebola is not the biggest public health crisis we have in Nigeria,” Adebayo said, while questioning the transparency of the government’s handling of the current case.

He recalled Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola outbreak, which followed the arrival of an infected traveller from Liberia. The outbreak was contained after health authorities implemented contact tracing, isolation and other emergency measures.

Adebayo argued that the experience demonstrated the importance of an effective and transparent response. He also urged Nigerians to participate in the 2027 election, describing voting as an important means of holding political leaders accountable.

His comments came amid heightened public health surveillance following the confirmation of a case involving a 42-year-old woman who travelled to Nigeria from Uganda. The woman was diagnosed with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease in Abuja on October 20.

Health authorities subsequently initiated contact tracing and monitoring. As of October 25, officials had identified 53 primary contacts linked to the confirmed case, while a suspected case in Rivers State was under investigation.

The patient was evacuated to Switzerland on Monday, October 26, for further treatment. However, health officials cautioned that clinical improvement did not necessarily mean she was no longer infectious.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, had earlier said there was no immediate need to cancel political campaigns, conferences or other large gatherings. He explained that any restrictions would depend on scientific evidence and consultations with public health experts.

Adebayo said his campaign would observe applicable health guidelines while continuing its mobilisation activities. He also encouraged Nigerians to follow precautionary measures and report suspected symptoms to health authorities.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has not announced any change to the 2027 election timetable over the Ebola situation.