Nigerian Political Parties Defy Ebola Campaign Suspension Calls

Political parties in Nigeria have opposed calls to suspend campaign activities in light of a reported Ebola case. They argue that campaigns can proceed under appropriate safety protocols to mitigate transmission risks.

Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, indicated that there is no immediate need to cancel political campaigns or large public gatherings. Bala Ibrahim, the National Director of Publicity for the All Progressives Congress, urged calm and emphasized the importance of not politicizing the health situation, warning that it could lead to panic.

Concerns were raised that the Federal Government might use the outbreak to restrict opposition parties' campaigning, especially following President Bola Tinubu's declaration that he would not campaign. Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, stressed that any restrictions must be based on transparent public health considerations.

The Social Democratic Party also called for enhanced disease surveillance rather than a blanket suspension of campaign activities.