Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has demanded an explanation from President Bola Tinubu over the N10 billion reportedly approved for Ebola preparedness, following the confirmation of a case in Abuja.

Atiku also cautioned the Federal Government against using the outbreak as a pretext to restrict political campaigns, public gatherings or Nigerians’ participation in elections.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku called for the publication of details of the funds’ disbursement and expenditure.

“Where is the money? Publish the amount actually disbursed, the dates of payment, every contract awarded, every recipient and every item delivered,” he said, insisting that a press statement could not replace an audit.

Atiku questioned the government’s handling of the reported Ebola case, citing a timeline in which the patient allegedly arrived in Nigeria on October 5, developed symptoms on October 7 and sought medical attention at a private hospital on October 11, while public confirmation came on October 20.

He described the interval between the patient’s hospital visit and the public announcement as a cause for concern, alleging that 44 close contacts had not been monitored during a critical period and that private health workers lacked adequate protective equipment.

The former vice-president urged the government to disclose the screening procedures conducted on the patient, when contact tracing commenced and when the identified contacts were reached and monitored.

He also called for accountability over any lapses in preparedness and response, stressing that health workers and public health professionals should have the resources and authority required to manage the outbreak.

Atiku further questioned the role of the Presidential Task Force announced by Tinubu in June and chaired by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, arguing that epidemiologists, doctors, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other public health experts should lead the response.

He said the outbreak could worsen public anxiety and disrupt livelihoods and economic activities amid the country’s existing economic challenges.

Atiku also alleged that a planned press conference by the Minister of Health was intended to discourage Nigerians from attending campaign rallies and participating in elections.

He questioned the ministry’s role in the Ebola prevention programme and cited a figure of N35 million in disbursements under the 2025 appropriation.

The ADC chieftain warned that public health measures must be based on medical evidence, applied fairly and not used to undermine citizens’ democratic rights.

“The Tinubu administration must not weaponise Ebola to frighten the public, silence its opponents or suppress voter participation,” he said, demanding transparency over the preparedness funds and adequate protection for health workers.

Atiku urged the government to account for the funds, strengthen contact tracing and provide Nigerians with clear information about the outbreak, while ensuring that measures taken to contain the disease did not infringe on citizens’ rights to assemble and choose their leaders.

The statement was signed by Shaibu on behalf of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.