APC Slams Atiku for Politicizing Ebola Crisis
Abuja, Nigeria—October 22, 2026—The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has strongly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for what it described as insulting and disrespectful statements linking President Bola Tinubu’s name to the ongoing Ebola situation.
In a press release signed by spokesperson Dele Alake and shared by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the council said Atiku’s comments risked turning a serious public health concern into a vehicle for political ridicule.
Criticism of Statement and Claims
The APC noted that a statement credited to Atiku opened with a title that linked the President’s first name to Ebola while questioning how the Presidential Task Force spent the N10 billion approved for the emergency.
“We believe linking and rhyming President Bola Tinubu’s name to Ebola only risks turning a serious health concern into a vehicle to ridicule the President of the Federal Republic,” the statement said.
The council accused the Atiku camp of showing “patent ignorance” about the virus, explaining that the incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days, with symptoms typically appearing 8 to 10 days after exposure.
An infected person cannot transmit Ebola until symptoms develop, which is why the traveller from Uganda was not detected on arrival.
Clarification on N10 Billion Fund
On the issue of accountability, the APC stated that the N10 billion approved by the President in June for the Ebola emergency remains untouched.
Surveillance agencies, including the NCDC and FAAN have utilized other available resources to maintain robust checks at entry points.
These efforts, the council said, enabled the detection of the index case and the subsequent tracing of 44 contacts.
The statement dismissed as speculative Atiku’s allegation that a ministerial briefing was intended to discourage attendance at campaign rallies or voting, noting that no such issue was raised at the press conference beyond appeals for public compliance with protocols.
Call for Responsible Opposition
The APC advised Atiku and his associates to avoid politicizing public health matters. It called on all Nigerians, including the opposition, to rally around health authorities, communicate responsibly, avoid rumour-mongering, and follow Task Force protocols to prevent the disease from becoming a national epidemic.
“Nigerians deserve, first of all, protection from the deadly disease,” the statement concluded.
This report is based on the official press release issued by the APC Presidential Campaign Council on October 22, 2026.
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