The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has warned against any attempt to cancel political campaigns or shift the 2027 general elections due to the recent Ebola outbreak.
The presidential hopeful stated that Nigeria can protect public health without undermining its democratic processes.
Speaking during a dinner organised by his Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on Sunday, Adebayo argued that a single confirmed case does not equate to an epidemic or disrupt the electoral process.
He declared that his campaign team will comply with relevant health guidelines while continuing its nationwide mobilisation alongside his running mate, Dr Usman Bugaje.
The candidate accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of lacking transparency in its handling of the current health situation. He recalled that the 2014 Ebola outbreak was successfully contained under former President Goodluck Jonathan because the response was properly communicated to citizens.
“One single incident of Ebola is not enough to talk about an epidemic…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… but this particular one is shrouded in mystery”, Adebayo stated.
His statements came after assurances from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate that there is no need to restrict large gatherings or political rallies, adding that any restrictions in future would be strictly guided by scientific evidence and consultations from experts.
Adebayo also announced that his campaign manifesto has been translated into several local languages to ensure grassroots voters fully grasp his policy propositions on national security and citizens’ welfare.
Also speaking at the event, the SDP National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, commended the candidate for taking his policy document directly to the people ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He revealed that the manifesto is now in circulation in English, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Kanuri, and Fulfulde, urging Nigerians to examine the document before heading to the polls.
Leave a comment