NCDC DG: No government will use Ebola as political weapon ahead of 2027 elections
NCDC Director-General Jide Idris declared Monday that no government will use the Ebola outbreak as a political weapon, directly addressing public fears that the health emergency could be exploited to influence the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today, Idris said health authorities had monitored the DRC outbreak for months and anticipated an imported case—Nigeria's index patient has since been evacuated to Switzerland, but contact tracing continues.
The assurance comes amid escalating political tension. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, now ADC presidential candidate, questioned the government's handling and demanded accountability for the ₦10 billion emergency fund approved by President Tinubu in June for NCDC preparedness. The APC Presidential Campaign Council countered that Atiku is politicising the crisis and the funds remain untouched. INEC has fixed January 16, 2027 for presidential and National Assembly elections.
Idris stated election postponement is beyond his authority and currently unnecessary, though acknowledged a widespread outbreak could raise public health concerns. Nigeria has no active positive Ebola case, but contacts are under monitoring with additional suspected exposures under investigation.
With election campaigns intensifying and ₦10 billion in emergency health funding under scrutiny, will political actors prioritise transparent public health management over electoral advantage?