Ebola: NDC Demands Urgent Situation Report from FG

• Warns against speculation over possible impact on 2027 elections 

•Urges federal, state govts to strengthen emergency preparedness

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on the federal government to urgently provide Nigerians with a comprehensive situation report on the reported Ebola scare, stressing the need for transparent communication, effective containment measures and adequate preparedness against a possible public health emergency.

The party urged the federal and state governments, particularly the relevant health authorities, to clarify the situation and keep Nigerians informed about developments, warning against speculation and the circulation of unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic.

The National Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, who is also a former Bayelsa State governor, made the call in Abuja yesterday.

He said it was premature to determine whether the reported Ebola situation would affect the conduct of the 2027 general election without reliable information from the relevant authorities.

He however stressed that government’s response should not be driven solely by concerns about the electoral calendar but should prioritise public safety, disease containment and the protection of lives.

“Whether the situation will affect the election is not something any of us can determine at this stage. We are waiting for more information, and all Nigerians must remain vigilant,” he said.

The NDC National Leader, spoke during the formal presentation of the Dickson Movement for Democracy, led by its National Coordinator, Comrade Ogbidi Emmanuel, who requested that the senator accept the position of Grand Patron of the movement.

The NDC leader said the government must provide clear and verified information about the reported situation to enable citizens to understand the risks, appreciate the measures being taken and respond appropriately to public health advisories.

He cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about the possible implications for the 2027 elections, insisting that any assessment must be guided by verified facts rather than speculation.

According to him, the government’s responsibility extends beyond determining whether the situation could disrupt political activities or election arrangements to ensuring that appropriate contingency plans are in place should the public health situation deteriorate.

“The response should not focus solely on the possible implications for the election. It must also address the broader public health concerns and the contingency measures that would be required if the situation worsens,” Dickson said.

He added that information available to him suggested that the affected patient had been contained and that the situation was being managed, but emphasised the need for caution in the absence of independently verified details.

The senator urged Nigerians to remain alert, comply with official health guidance and avoid circulating unconfirmed reports that could fuel public anxiety.

He also called on governments at all levels to strengthen their preparedness and response mechanisms to ensure that any emerging public health threat was addressed promptly.

Dickson’s intervention comes amid concerns about the possible implications of public health emergencies for preparations ahead of the 2027 general election. He maintained that the authorities should provide timely updates and ensure that the public health response was based on credible information.

The NDC leader also urged political actors to avoid exploiting public anxiety for partisan purposes, arguing that the protection of citizens should remain a collective responsibility.

On the political implications of the forthcoming election, Dickson said the NDC was working towards winning the presidency on the first ballot and securing a majority in the National Assembly to enable it to implement its proposed reform agenda.

“The presidential election is particularly important, but every election matters. Our objective is to win the presidency on the first ballot and secure a majority of seats in the National Assembly,” he said.

He urged members of the Dickson Movement for Democracy and other support groups to mobilise Nigerians peacefully in support of the party’s candidates, stressing the importance of grassroots engagement and issue-based campaigns.

Dickson also condemned attempts by politicians to exploit poverty and economic hardship to influence voters, insisting that citizens should be free to make independent electoral choices without coercion or inducement.

“Nigerians should not be made to feel indebted to political leaders for providing temporary relief after years of economic hardship.

“No one should use poverty as an instrument to compel citizens to vote for a particular party or candidate,” he said.

Earlier, Emmanuel said the movement was established to promote accountable leadership, transparency, prudent governance and the participation of young Nigerians in the country’s democratic process.

He disclosed that the movement’s membership registration had approached 10,000 within weeks of its establishment and said the group intended to mobilise support for NDC candidates across the country in the 2027 general election.

Responding, Dickson accepted the request to serve as Grand Patron and urged the movement to work with the party’s existing structures to ensure effective coordination of its activities.