Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately account for the ₦10 billion emergency fund previously earmarked for Ebola Virus Disease preparedness, warning against using the health crisis for political advantage.
In an official press statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Atiku criticized the federal government’s handling of the recently confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alleging a dangerous breakdown in response systems.
Highlighting what he termed a “damning timeline” of official delay, Atiku pointed out that the patient arrived in Nigeria on October 5, displayed symptoms on October 7, and sought treatment at a private facility on October 11. However, the government did not publicly confirm the Ebola diagnosis until October 20, nine days after the patient presented at the hospital.
”A press statement cannot replace a full public audit. The government must explain what travel history and exposure screening were conducted, when the 44 known contacts were first monitored, and why frontline healthcare workers were left without required protection,” Atiku stated.
Atiku urged the administration to hand full control of the response over to medical professionals and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), cautioning the presidency against politicizing the emergency.
The NCDC, epidemiologists, and public health professionals must lead with adequate authority and resources. The administration was warned not to use public health measures as a pretext to restrict freedom of assembly, suppress political opponents, or interfere with election processes.
”Account for the ₦10 billion. Protect every health worker. Trace every contact. Tell Nigerians the truth. Fight Ebola, and keep your hands off their right to assemble and choose their leaders,” Atiku urged.
As of Wednesday evening, the Federal Ministry of Health and the Presidency have yet to issue a formal response regarding the status of the emergency funds.
