Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded a detailed account of the ₦10 billion approved for Ebola preparedness, alleging that the government response to the confirmed case in Abuja exposed major gaps in surveillance and emergency funding.

Speaking through a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku called on President Bola Tinubu to disclose disbursement details, contract awards, and items delivered.

"Ebola is a grave public health threat. Nigerians deserve urgent action, competent leadership and the truth," Atiku said. "Where is the money? Publish the amount actually disbursed, the dates of payment, every contract awarded, every recipient and every item delivered."

He argued that announcing emergency funding is insufficient without verifiable proof of utilisation, demanding a formal audit.

"A press statement cannot replace an audit," he added.

The former vice president also questioned the timeline of the reported case, noting that the patient arrived in Nigeria on October 5, developed symptoms on October 7, and sought treatment at a private hospital on October 11, while the government publicly confirmed the case on October 20.

"During that critical period, 44 close contacts were left unmonitored, while private health workers faced the case without adequate protective equipment. This is a failure of preparedness with potentially grave consequences," Atiku stated.

He further criticized the leadership of the response team, questioning the Presidential Task Force announced in June and chaired by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, insisting that medical professionals should handle technical health responses.

"Political titles cannot trace contacts, equip hospitals or save lives," he noted.

Atiku also warned the administration against using the health situation to suppress political activities or interfere with democratic rights ahead of upcoming elections.

"The Tinubu administration must not weaponise Ebola to frighten the public, silence its opponents or suppress voter participation. Any public health measure must be backed by clear medical evidence, applied equally and never used as a pretext to interfere with Nigerians' democratic rights," he stated.

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