Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has cautioned against any attempt to suspend campaigns or postpone the 2027 general elections due to the recent Ebola case reported in Nigeria.
Speaking at a dinner hosted by his campaign council in Abuja on Sunday, Adebayo argued that one confirmed case was not enough to declare an epidemic, stressing that public health could be safeguarded without disrupting the democratic process.
He recalled Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak under former President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that transparency and swift action were key to that response.
“One single incident of Ebola is not enough to talk about an epidemic. We dealt with Ebola before, and everything was transparent. This time, it seems shrouded in mystery,” he said.
Adebayo accused the APC-led government of exploiting health concerns for political advantage, insisting that elections must go ahead as planned.
“The greatest gift anyone can give to support the health of Nigerians is to go to the poll to vote and kick out the APC,” he declared.
The SDP candidate also unveiled his manifesto translated into multiple Nigerian languages, including Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Kanuri, and Fulfulde, to ensure accessibility for voters nationwide.
He urged Nigerians to scrutinise the document, which he said prioritises security and welfare as the government’s primary duties.
SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, praised Adebayo for presenting his policy document early and in diverse languages, describing him and his running mate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, as credible alternatives to the APC in 2027.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Pate has assured that campaigns and gatherings will continue for now, with restrictions only considered if the situation worsens, guided by scientific evidence and expert advice.