Ebola: SDP presidential candidate warns against shifting 2027 elections

L-R: SDP National Women Leader, Hajiya Sa'adatu Ibrahim; National Chairman, Prof Sadiq Gombe; Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo; his running mate, Dr Usman Bugaje and party's Deputy National Chairman, Senator Ugochukwu Uba at the dinner in Abuja. Photo Credit: Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis

The Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has warned against any attempt to cancel ongoing political campaigns or shift the 2027 general election over the Ebola outbreak.

Adebayo said a single confirmed case of Ebola was insufficient to declare an epidemic, insisting that the country could protect public health without disrupting the electoral process.

He spoke at a dinner organised by his Presidential Campaign Council leadership in Abuja on Sunday, where he also announced that his manifesto had been translated into several Nigerian languages ahead of the 2027 elections.

Recall that the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has said there is no immediate need to cancel political campaigns, conferences or other large gatherings, although the government would consider restrictions if the situation worsened.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja last Thursday, Pate said the decision to impose any restrictions would be guided by scientific evidence and consultations with public health experts.

The SDP candidate argued that Nigeria had successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, adding that the response at the time was marked by transparency.

He said, “Ebola is not the biggest public health crisis we have in Nigeria. It is just that whatever the APC government discusses or presides over, there’s always deception, obfuscation, and opportunism involved.

“One single incident of Ebola is not enough to talk about an epidemic. Secondly, we have dealt with Ebola in Nigeria before during the time of Goodluck Jonathan, with Dr (Onyebuchi) Chukwu as Minister of Health.

“Everybody in Nigeria had a transparent understanding of Ebola. The person who brought it to Nigeria, Patrick Sawyer, from Liberia, the lead consultant physician who treated him then was Dr (Stella) Adadevoh. Everything about it was transparent. But this particular one is shrouded in mystery.

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“So, we cannot cancel campaigns, rallies, or shift an important election like the upcoming 2027 poll. 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.”

Adebayo said his campaign would comply with relevant health guidelines while continuing its nationwide mobilisation, urging Nigerians to observe precautionary measures and report suspected symptoms to health authorities.

Beyond the health concerns, Adebayo said his party was preparing to take its policy proposals to Nigerians in languages they could readily understand, urging voters to scrutinise its manifesto before the election.

He said the document addressed security and welfare, which he described as the primary responsibilities of government.

“The primary duty of government is security and welfare. If you have studied our manifesto, you will realised it was published in all the major languages namely English, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. As we have gone beyond that to further break it down in other languages, which are now in circulation.

“When we campaign, we want Nigerians to ask questions and cross-examine us on the areas thry are clear about in our policy document,” he stated.

The SDP National Chairman, Prof Sadiq Gombe, praised Adebayo for presenting his policy document ahead of the formal campaign season and translating it into several Nigerian languages.

He said, “This is the first time we have a presidential candidate present his policy document long before the campaign season begins. He is also the first candidate to present his manifesto in all Nigerian languages. This includes Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Kanuri, Fulfulde and so on.

“Therefore, we are urging Nigerians to engage, critique and make invaluable contributions. On behalf of the SDP National Executive Committee, National Working Committee, 36 State Chairmen and the FCT, we are proud to present Prince Adewole Adebayo and his running mate, Dr Usman Bugaje, as the best and credible option to the APC in the 2027 election.”