Atiku Abubakar has demanded an account of the ₦10 billion approved for Ebola preparedness. The former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate issued the demand on Wednesday. He spoke through Phrank Shaibu, director of strategic communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council. The demand followed Nigeria’s first confirmed Ebola case in Abuja on 20 October.
President Bola Tinubu approved the ₦10 billion emergency fund in June 2026. He set up a presidential task force chaired by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. The fund was meant to strengthen surveillance, equip health workers and prepare isolation facilities. Nigeria has faced Ebola scares before. In 2014, the country contained an outbreak imported from Liberia. That response was praised globally. The current case is the first in 2026.
Atiku said the confirmed case exposed a breakdown in preparedness. He asked the government to publish the amount disbursed, the dates of payment, every contract awarded, every recipient and every item delivered. “Where is the money?” he asked. “A press statement cannot replace an audit.” He questioned the timeline. The patient arrived in Nigeria on 5 October. She developed symptoms on 7 October. She sought care at a private hospital on 11 October. The government confirmed the case publicly on 20 October. During that period, 44 close contacts were left unmonitored. Private health workers treated the patient without adequate protective equipment. Atiku warned the government against using the outbreak to suppress campaign rallies and voter participation. The government has not responded. The task force has not commented.
Winners: Atiku, who gains a campaign issue. Transparency advocates, who gain support. Nigerians, if the fund is accounted for. Losers: The Federal Government, which faces scrutiny. The task force, whose preparedness is questioned. Health workers, who faced the case without adequate protection. The 44 contacts, who were monitored late. The government, if the funds were mismanaged.
Bottom Line: Atiku wants the Ebola money accounted for. The government announced ₦10 billion in June. It confirmed the first case in October. The timeline is damning. The fund must be audited. The contacts must be traced. Health workers must be protected. Ebola is a serious threat. Politics must not obscure the response.