The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has warned against any move to suspend political campaigns or postpone the 2027 general elections over the reported Ebola case in Nigeria.
Adebayo argued that a single confirmed case was not enough to declare an epidemic, insisting that the country could protect public health without disrupting the electoral process.
He spoke on Sunday at a dinner organised by the leadership of his Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, where he also announced that his manifesto had been translated into several Nigerian languages ahead of the elections.
The SDP candidate’s comments came after the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, said there was no immediate need to cancel political campaigns, conferences or other large gatherings because of the Ebola situation.
Pate had explained that any decision to introduce restrictions would depend on scientific evidence and consultations with public health experts if the situation worsened.
‘DON’T USE EBOLA TO STOP ELECTIONS’
Adebayo recalled Nigeria’s response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak under former President Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that the country had successfully contained the disease through a transparent response.
He accused the current administration of lacking transparency in its handling of the latest development.
“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,” he said.
The SDP candidate maintained that one reported case should not be used as a basis for disrupting the electoral process.
“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,” he stated.
Adebayo also recalled the role of the late physician, Dr Stella Adadevoh, in Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola response, saying the circumstances surrounding the current case required greater transparency.
He insisted that political activities and the 2027 elections should proceed while public health authorities take appropriate measures.
“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,” he said.
SDP CANDIDATE URGES CAUTION
Despite his opposition to any election postponement, Adebayo said his campaign would comply with relevant health guidelines while continuing its nationwide mobilisation.
He urged Nigerians to observe precautionary measures and report suspected symptoms to the appropriate health authorities.
The presidential candidate maintained that public health protection and preparations for the general elections could continue side by side without unnecessary disruption.
ADEBAYO TAKES MANIFESTO TO NIGERIANS
Beyond the Ebola controversy, Adebayo announced that his manifesto had been translated into major Nigerian languages, including English, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, with further versions being made available in other languages.
He said the move was intended to help Nigerians understand his policy proposals and hold the party accountable for its promises.
According to him, security and welfare remain the primary responsibilities of any government.
“The primary duty of government is security and welfare. If you have studied our manifesto, you will realise it was published in all the major languages, namely English, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. We have gone beyond that to further break it down in other languages, which are now in circulation,” he said.
Adebayo urged voters to study the document and question the party on its proposals during the campaign.
“When we campaign, we want Nigerians to ask questions and cross-examine us on the areas they are clear about in our policy document,” he added.
SDP CHAIRMAN BACKS CANDIDATE
The National Chairman of the SDP, Professor Sadiq Gombe, praised Adebayo for presenting his manifesto ahead of the formal campaign season and making it available in several Nigerian languages.
Gombe said the party wanted Nigerians to examine its proposals, offer constructive criticism and contribute ideas before the elections.
He listed languages covered by the manifesto as including Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Kanuri and Fulfulde.
Speaking on behalf of the party’s National Executive Committee, National Working Committee and state chairmen, Gombe endorsed Adebayo and his running mate, Dr Usman Bugaje, as the SDP’s candidates for the 2027 presidential election.
The party leadership expressed confidence in the ticket as it prepares to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the polls.
