SDP Candidate Speaks Out Against Changing 2027 Election Plans Due to Ebola

The Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has warned against cancelling political campaigns or moving the 2027 general election because of the Ebola outbreak.

Adebayo stated that one confirmed Ebola case is not enough to call it an epidemic. He believes Nigeria can keep people safe without stopping the elections.

He spoke during a dinner hosted by his Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on Sunday. He also shared that his manifesto has been translated into many Nigerian languages in preparation for the 2027 elections.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, said there is no need to cancel political campaigns or large events right now. However, he mentioned that the government might enforce restrictions if the situation gets worse.

During a press briefing in Abuja last Thursday, Pate said any decision on restrictions would be based on scientific evidence and talks with health experts.

Adebayo reminded everyone that Nigeria handled an Ebola outbreak successfully in 2014 under former President Goodluck Jonathan. He said that the response back then was open and clear.

He said, "Ebola is not the biggest public health crisis we have in Nigeria. It is just that whatever the APC government discusses or presides over, there’s always deception, obfuscation, and opportunism involved.

"One single incident of Ebola is not enough to talk about an epidemic. Secondly, 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. The person who brought it to Nigeria, Patrick Sawyer, from Liberia, the lead consultant physician who treated him then was Dr (Stella) Adadevoh. Everything about it was transparent. But this particular one is shrouded in mystery.

"So, we cannot cancel campaigns, rallies, or shift an important election like the upcoming 2027 poll. The greatest gift anyone can give to support the health of Nigerians is to go to the poll to vote and kick out the APC."

Adebayo added that his campaign would follow health guidelines while continuing to mobilise across the country. He urged Nigerians to take precautions and report any suspected symptoms to health authorities.

Beyond health worries, Adebayo noted that his party is ready to share its policy ideas with Nigerians in languages they understand. He encouraged voters to carefully examine their manifesto before the election.

He said the document focuses on security and welfare, which he called the main duties of government.

"The primary duty of government is security and welfare. If you have studied our manifesto, you will realise it was published in all the major languages namely English, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. As we have gone beyond that to further break it down in other languages, which are now in circulation.

"When we campaign, we want Nigerians to ask questions and cross-examine us on the areas they are clear about in our policy document," he said.

The SDP National Chairman, Prof Sadiq Gombe, praised Adebayo for sharing his policy document before the official campaign season and for translating it into various Nigerian languages.

He said, "This is the first time we have a presidential candidate present his policy document long before the campaign season begins. He is also the first candidate to present his manifesto in all Nigerian languages. This includes Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Kanuri, Fulfulde, and so on.

"Therefore, we are urging Nigerians to engage, critique, and make invaluable contributions. On behalf of the SDP National Executive Committee, National Working Committee, 36 State Chairmen, and the FCT, we are proud to present Prince Adewole Adebayo and his running mate, Dr Usman Bugaje, as the best and credible option to the APC in the 2027 election."