The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded accountability regarding a ₦10 billion emergency fund approved for Ebola preparedness. Opposition spokespersons questioned why the multi-billion naira allocation remains completely unspent despite a confirmed Ebola case in Abuja.
Furthermore, the opposition cautioned federal authorities against using public health concerns to interfere with political campaigns or voter participation In response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council defended the administration’s handling of the health crisis.
The ruling party dismissed the opposition’s queries as politically motivated attempts to score cheap points during an election cycle.
APC Defends Fund Status and Accuses Opposition of Politicising Health
Campaign spokesperson Dele Alake argued that health agencies have successfully relied on existing operational budgets to contain the outbreak.
- Fund Status: The ruling party confirmed that the ₦10 billion approved in June remains intact for future emergency deployment.
- Contact Tracing: Officials noted that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and aviation authorities have successfully traced over forty contacts.
- Campaign Protections: The APC denied allegations that health briefings sought to restrict opposition rallies or suppress voter turnout.
Furthermore, the ruling party urged political actors to avoid spreading rumors that could cause public panic during a medical emergency.
Atiku Camp Demands Documented Transparency From Health Officials
In contrast, Atiku’s camp maintained that the government must provide clear, documented answers rather than political rhetoric.
The opposition challenged federal authorities to publish a transparent timeline detailing their response to the Abuja infection.
- Medical Evidence: Critics argued that disease containment measures must rely strictly on transparent medical data.
- Worker Safety: The opposition demanded verifiable proof that frontline health workers possess adequate protective equipment.
- Financial Accountability: Analysts continue to question why approved emergency allocations remain unspent four months after authorization.
Meanwhile, medical experts have urged heightened vigilance across all international airports and land borders to prevent further spread.
