By Ghazali Ibrahim
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has warned against any attempt to postpone the 2027 general elections or suspend political campaigns over Nigeria’s Ebola outbreak.
Adebayo said the country could protect public health without disrupting the electoral process, arguing that a single confirmed case was not sufficient grounds to declare an epidemic.
He made the remarks on Sunday at a dinner organised by the leadership of his Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja.
The SDP candidate also questioned the transparency of the government’s handling of the Ebola case, contrasting the current response with Nigeria’s management of the 2014 outbreak under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“One single incident of Ebola is not enough to talk about an epidemic,” Adebayo said, adding that Nigeria had previously contained the disease.
He insisted that political campaigns, rallies and the forthcoming elections should continue, while urging authorities to take appropriate public health precautions.
“So, we cannot cancel campaigns, rallies, or shift an important election like the upcoming 2027 poll,” he said.
Adebayo’s position comes after the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said there was no immediate need to cancel political campaigns, conferences or other large gatherings because of the outbreak.
Pate said any decision to introduce restrictions would depend on scientific evidence, expert advice and developments in the public health situation.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has not announced any postponement of the 2027 general elections over Ebola.
According to INEC’s published timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are fixed for February 6, 2027.
Adebayo said his campaign would continue its mobilisation while complying with relevant health guidelines. He also urged Nigerians to observe precautionary measures and report suspected Ebola symptoms to health authorities.
Beyond the Ebola issue, the SDP candidate announced that his manifesto had been translated into several Nigerian languages to make his policy proposals more accessible to voters ahead of the elections.
