Atiku demands audit of N10bn Ebola fund amid Abuja case concerns

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly criticised the Tinubu administration for its handling of the N10 billion emergency fund that was approved in June to prepare for a potential Ebola outbreak. He said the confirmed case of Ebola in Abuja has exposed serious shortcomings in the government's surveillance system and in the protection of frontline health workers.

Timeline of the Abuja case The patient arrived in Nigeria on 5 October, began showing symptoms two days later, and sought treatment at a private hospital on 11 October. The government did not announce the case until 20 October, a full nine days after the patient had been admitted. During that interval, 44 close contacts were reportedly left unmonitored, and private health workers were said to have dealt with the case without adequate personal protective equipment.

Demand for transparency Atiku has called for a public audit of the emergency fund. He asked that the government publish the exact amount disbursed, the dates of payment, every contract awarded, and the identities of all recipients. He added that a press statement cannot replace a detailed audit. The former vice president also questioned the Presidential Task Force that was set up in June and chaired by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, arguing that medical experts should lead the response rather than political appointees.

Concerns about political use of the outbreak In addition to the health‑related criticisms, Atiku warned that the outbreak could be used to suppress political activity and discourage voters from attending rallies or going to the polls. He said the planned press conference by the Minister of Health on Thursday could be an attempt to frighten the public and silence opposition voices.

What the government must do Atiku urged the Tinubu administration to explain why the emergency funding announced in June has not yet reached the people responsible for protecting Nigerians. He also demanded that the government disclose what happened at every stage of the response, including travel history checks, exposure screening, and follow‑up procedures for contacts.

The former vice president’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria is still vulnerable to a resurgence of Ebola. His call for accountability highlights the need for clear, evidence‑based public health measures that do not become tools for political control.