AAC Presidential Candidate Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Preparedness, Demands Answers as WHO Calls for Vigilance
Political activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, as chairman of Nigeria’s Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness.
Sowore questioned why a politician without specialised medical training was selected to lead a task force responsible for coordinating the country’s response to a potentially deadly infectious disease.
His criticism comes amid growing concerns following the Federal Government’s reported confirmation of Nigeria’s first imported case of Ebola Virus Disease involving a woman who recently travelled from Uganda.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sowore demanded explanations about the government’s preparedness, disease surveillance mechanisms and coordination with other countries following the reported case.
WHY GBajabiamila? Sowore Demands Answers
The activist argued that the responsibility of coordinating an Ebola response should be entrusted to professionals with relevant expertise in epidemiology, infectious diseases and public health.
He questioned the rationale behind appointing Gbajabiamila to lead the task force, insisting that Nigerians deserved clear answers about the government’s decision.
Sowore also raised concerns about Nigeria’s handling of the patient’s travel history, citing statements from Uganda’s Ministry of Health concerning the woman’s movements after visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Ugandan authorities reportedly maintained that there were no confirmed active Ebola cases in their country and expressed concerns about delays in receiving information from Nigeria regarding the patient’s travel and medical history.
“If these accounts are accurate, why has Nigeria not promptly provided the necessary information?” Sowore asked, according to the report.
He said the circumstances raised questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s disease surveillance system and its ability to coordinate with international health authorities during emergencies.
2027 ELECTIONS: Sowore Raises Political Concerns
Beyond the public health questions, Sowore warned against the possibility of an emergency being exploited for political purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He expressed concern that the Tinubu administration could use the situation to undermine voter participation or restrict democratic freedoms.
“Public health emergencies must never become excuses for suppressing democratic participation or restricting fundamental freedoms,” he said.
However, Sowore urged Nigerians not to panic, stressing that the situation required transparency, scientific expertise and accountability rather than political considerations.
He called for effective contact tracing, appropriate medical intervention, protection for frontline health workers and independent scientific oversight.
“Nigerians deserve transparency, scientific competence, and accountability, not political bureaucracy or secrecy in the face of a potentially deadly epidemic,” he said.
FG Releases N10 Billion for Ebola Preparedness
In June, President Tinubu approved the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats.
The President also directed the immediate release of N10 billion to support emergency interventions and strengthen the operational preparedness of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The task force, chaired by Gbajabiamila, comprises representatives of relevant ministries, departments and agencies, alongside state representatives.
Following the reported confirmation of the Ebola case, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, disclosed that the patient had been isolated and was receiving medical care.
According to the minister, health authorities had identified 44 contacts for monitoring, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals who might have travelled with the patient.
The Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain calm, rely on verified information and comply with public health guidance as surveillance measures were strengthened.
WHO Issues Fresh Warning
Meanwhile, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, called on countries across the region to maintain a high level of preparedness following Nigeria’s reported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
Tedros said contact tracing was ongoing and that the WHO was working with the governments of Nigeria, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to strengthen the response.
He emphasised that sustained vigilance was essential to detect cases early, prevent further transmission and protect healthcare workers and communities.
As questions mount over the leadership of Nigeria’s Ebola preparedness task force, Sowore’s criticism has placed the government’s choice of chairman and the country’s emergency response strategy under renewed scrutiny.
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