By: Tunji Okunlola
Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has spoken against suspending political campaigns or postponing the 2027 general election because of the Ebola outbreak, saying health concerns should not derail the electoral process.
Speaking at a dinner hosted by his Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on Sunday, 25th October 2026, Adebayo said a single confirmed case was not enough to declare an epidemic. He argued that Nigeria could protect public health and still allow political activity to go on.
“One single incident of Ebola is not enough to talk about an epidemic,” he said.
His comments followed those of Health and Social Welfare Minister Prof. Muhammad Pate, who said at a press briefing in Abuja last Thursday that there was no immediate need to cancel campaigns, conferences or other large gatherings. Pate added that the government could consider restrictions if the situation worsened, and that any such decision would rest on scientific evidence and consultation with public health experts.
Adebayo pointed to Nigeria’s response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak under former President Goodluck Jonathan, which he described as transparent. He accused the current administration of a lack of transparency in handling the latest situation.
He said his campaign would follow relevant health guidelines while continuing its nationwide mobilisation. He urged Nigerians to take precautions and report suspected symptoms to health authorities, and to vote, calling the ballot an important means of holding government to account.
Manifesto now available in several languages
At the same event, Adebayo announced that the party had translated its manifesto into several Nigerian languages to make its proposals easier for voters to access. He said the document centres on security and welfare, which he called the core responsibilities of government.
According to Adebayo, the manifesto is available in English, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, with translations into other languages already circulating. He encouraged Nigerians to read it, ask questions and scrutinise the party’s proposals before the election.
SDP National Chairman Prof. Sadiq Gombe commended Adebayo for releasing the policy document ahead of the formal campaign season and in multiple languages. Gombe said the translations also include Kanuri and Fulfulde, among others, and invited Nigerians to review the proposals and contribute to the policy debate. He also presented Adebayo and his running mate, Dr Usman Bugaje, as the party’s candidates for the 2027 presidential election.
The exchange comes as preparations for the 2027 general election continue, with health authorities saying any limits on gatherings should follow scientific evidence and the evolving situation.
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