APC slams Atiku over Ebola comments, defends Tinubu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for politicizing the Ebola health emergency and disrespecting President Bola Tinubu. In a press statement, the APC's Presidential Campaign Council accused Atiku of turning a serious public health issue into a vehicle to ridicule the President.

The council noted that Atiku's comments on the handling of the Ebola situation were inappropriate, especially when Nigerians needed to support health authorities. They also faulted Atiku's remarks on the detection of an infected Nigerian who had traveled from Uganda, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the transmission required a better understanding of the disease.

The council explained that an infected person cannot spread Ebola until they actively develop symptoms, typically eight to 10 days after exposure. They commended the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other surveillance agencies for their efforts in detecting and responding to the Ebola case.

The APC council also noted that the N10 billion emergency allocation approved by President Tinubu in June remained untouched, while other available resources were used by the health agencies. They emphasized the need for cooperation among political leaders, health professionals, and the public to prevent a wider outbreak, urging Atiku and other opposition figures to avoid politicizing public health concerns.