Former Vice‑President [Atiku Abubakar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atiku_Abubakar) has publicly condemned the current administration for not accounting for the ₦10 billion that was pledged for Ebola preparedness, saying the first confirmed case in Abuja reveals a serious breakdown in the nation’s health response and raises concerns that the crisis is being used to stifle political activity and voter participation.
**What money was promised and where is it?**
Atiku demanded a full disclosure of the emergency funding announced by President [Bola Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu) in June, including the exact amount disbursed, payment dates, contracts awarded, recipients and items delivered. He warned that a press release cannot replace a proper audit and that the public deserves transparency on whether the funds ever reached the agencies tasked with protecting Nigerians.
**How did the Ebola case unfold?**
The patient arrived in Nigeria on 5 October, showed symptoms on 7 October and sought treatment at a private hospital on 11 October. The government only confirmed the case on 20 October, nine days after the patient first sought care. During that interval, 44 close contacts were left unmonitored and frontline health workers attended to the case without adequate protective equipment, exposing a critical failure in surveillance and preparedness.
**Which agencies should lead the response?**
Atiku argued that the Presidential Task Force created in June, chaired by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, must not eclipse the expertise of the [National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)](https://ncdc.gov.ng), epidemiologists, doctors and other public‑health professionals. He stressed that political titles cannot trace contacts, equip hospitals or save lives.
**Is the health emergency being politicised?**
The former vice‑president warned that the Minister of Health’s upcoming press conference appears designed to discourage Nigerians from attending campaign rallies and voting. He highlighted that the ministry’s 2025 budget allocation of N35 million was unrelated to the Ebola prevention programme, suggesting the health crisis is being weaponised to limit democratic rights.
**What accountability is being demanded?**
Atiku called for a detailed timeline of the patient’s travel history, exposure screening, contact tracing and the protection provided to health workers. He urged the government to publish every contract and disbursement linked to the ₦10 billion and to hold those responsible for the shortcomings to account.
In summary, the former vice‑president insists that the Tinubu administration must stop using Ebola as a tool to intimidate citizens, must fully account for the emergency funds, protect health workers, trace all contacts and respect Nigerians’ right to assemble and vote.