Social Democratic Party presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has cautioned against any move to suspend political campaigns or postpone the 2027 general election because of the recent Ebola case.
Speaking at a dinner organised by his Presidential Campaign Council leadership in Abuja on Sunday, Adebayo said one confirmed case was not enough to declare an epidemic. He insisted the country could protect public health without disrupting the electoral calendar.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, had earlier stated that there was no immediate need to cancel campaigns, conferences or large gatherings. Pate said any decision on restrictions would depend on scientific evidence and advice from public health experts.
Adebayo recalled that Nigeria successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 under former President Goodluck Jonathan. He described that response as transparent, contrasting it with the current situation, which he said lacked clarity.
“Ebola is not the biggest public health crisis we have in Nigeria. One single incident of Ebola is not enough to talk about an epidemic,” he said. “We have dealt with Ebola in Nigeria before… Everybody in Nigeria had a transparent understanding of Ebola. But this particular one is shrouded in mystery.”
He argued that campaigns and the 2027 election should continue, adding that the best support for public health would be for citizens to vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress. Adebayo said his campaign would observe all relevant health guidelines while pressing ahead with nationwide mobilisation. He urged Nigerians to take precautions and report any suspected symptoms to health authorities.
Beyond the health issue, Adebayo announced that his manifesto had been translated into several Nigerian languages. He said the document focused on security and welfare as the core duties of government and was now available in English, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and other languages including Kanuri and Fulfulde.
“When we campaign, we want Nigerians to ask questions and cross-examine us on the areas they are clear about in our policy document,” he stated.
SDP National Chairman Professor Sadiq Gombe praised the early release and translation of the manifesto. He described Adebayo and his running mate, Dr Usman Bugaje, as a credible alternative to the APC in 2027 and urged Nigerians to engage with the policy proposals.
The remarks come as health authorities continue to monitor contacts linked to the recent case, with