The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has warned against using Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola case as a reason to cancel political campaigns or postpone the 2027 general elections.
Adebayo said the country could protect public health while allowing democratic activities to continue, arguing that a single confirmed case was not sufficient grounds to disrupt the electoral process.
He made the remarks on Sunday, October 25, 2026, during a dinner organised by the leadership of his Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja.
Adebayo Questions Transparency of Ebola Response
The SDP candidate compared Nigeria’s current response to the disease with the country’s handling of the 2014 Ebola outbreak under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He recalled how the arrival of Liberian-American Patrick Sawyer and the efforts of the late physician Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh became central to public awareness of the outbreak.
Adebayo argued that the earlier response provided Nigerians with a clearer understanding of the situation, while expressing concern about the transparency of the current administration’s handling of the confirmed case.
He also criticised the President Bola Tinubu-led government, accusing it of using public issues for political advantage. These were Adebayo’s allegations and political assessment, rather than independently established findings.
‘We Cannot Cancel Campaigns or Shift Elections’
Adebayo insisted that political campaigns, rallies and the 2027 elections should not be suspended solely because of the Ebola case.
He said his party would continue mobilising voters while complying with relevant public health guidelines.
The politician also urged Nigerians to take precautionary measures and report suspected Ebola symptoms to health authorities, stressing that public safety and democratic participation should be addressed together.
FG Says Restrictions Will Depend on Health Evidence
Adebayo’s comments followed an earlier statement by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who said there was no immediate need to cancel political campaigns, conferences or other large gatherings.
Pate explained that any restrictions would depend on how the health situation developed and would be guided by scientific evidence and consultations with public health experts.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has continued contact tracing and monitoring as part of efforts to contain the infection. The confirmed case a
