Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over ₦10bn Ebola Fund, Alleges Failure in Preparedness
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to account for the ₦10 billion reportedly approved for Ebola preparedness, alleging that the outbreak in Abuja has exposed serious gaps in Nigeria’s emergency response.
Atiku also cautioned the Federal Government against using the public health crisis as a pretext to restrict political activities, discourage campaign rallies or undermine Nigerians’ right to vote.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku described Ebola as a serious public health threat requiring urgent action, competent leadership and transparency.
He said the first confirmed case in Abuja had raised troubling questions about the country’s preparedness, disease surveillance and protection of frontline health workers.
“Tinubu must account for the ₦10 billion he said would be released immediately in June,” Atiku said, demanding the publication of the amount disbursed, payment dates, contracts awarded, beneficiaries and items supplied.
He insisted that if the funds were not released, the President should explain why emergency funding was announced without reaching those responsible for protecting Nigerians.
Atiku also questioned the handling of the case, citing a timeline in which the patient reportedly arrived in Nigeria on October 5, developed symptoms on October 7 and sought treatment at a private hospital on October 11. The government publicly confirmed the case on October 20.
According to him, the nine-day interval between the patient seeking medical attention and the public confirmation of the case raised concerns about the effectiveness of the country’s surveillance and response systems.
He further alleged that 44 close contacts had been left unmonitored during a critical period and that private healthcare workers encountered the case without adequate protective equipment.
The former vice president called on the government to disclose the patient’s travel history, screening procedures, follow-up arrangements and the identities and monitoring status of the contacts initially identified. He also demanded explanations for the alleged failure to adequately protect frontline medical personnel.
Atiku questioned the effectiveness of the Presidential Task Force announced by Tinubu in June and chaired by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
He argued that medical experts, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), epidemiologists, doctors and public health professionals, should lead the response, with the necessary authority and resources.
“Political titles cannot trace contacts, equip hospitals or save lives,” he said.
Atiku warned that an ineffective response could worsen public anxiety and disrupt movement, livelihoods and economic activities amid the hardship Nigerians were already experiencing.
He also expressed concern over what he described as information suggesting that a planned press conference by the Minister of Health was intended to discourage Nigerians from attending campaign rallies and, ultimately, voting.
The former vice president questioned the minister’s role in the Ebola prevention programme and made claims about the ministry’s funding, urging the government to clarify its preparedness and spending arrangements.
He maintained that public health measures must be guided by medical evidence, applied fairly and must not be used to restrict constitutionally protected democratic rights.
“The Tinubu administration must not weaponise Ebola to frighten the public, silence its opponents or suppress voter participation,” Atiku said.
He called on the Federal Government to account for the emergency funds, protect healthcare workers, intensify contact tracing and provide Nigerians with accurate information about the outbreak.
The allegations and questions raised by Atiku place renewed attention on the management of the Ebola response, the transparency of emergency spending and the need to balance public health protection with democratic freedoms.
