NCDC's Jide Idris Denies Political Motives in Ebola Crisis

Jide Idris, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), rejected allegations that the government might exploit the Ebola outbreak for political purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Channels Television's Today programme on October 26, 2026, he addressed public concerns regarding potential emergency health restrictions affecting electoral activities.

While he stated that decisions about the elections are beyond his authority, he confirmed that health authorities have been monitoring the Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for months. Idris noted that international travel could bring cases into Nigeria.

He cautioned against assuming the crisis is over, despite the index patient being evacuated to Switzerland, and assured that health workers would continue to monitor contacts and investigate suspected exposures. The political landscape surrounding the elections includes President Tinubu seeking re-election and opposition figures campaigning, with Atiku questioning the government's handling of the outbreak.