The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has warned against postponing the 2027 general elections or suspending political campaigns because of the reported Ebola outbreak in Nigeria.
Adebayo argued that a single confirmed case of the disease should not be treated as sufficient grounds to declare an epidemic or disrupt the country's electoral activities.
He made the remarks on Sunday during a dinner organised by the leadership of his Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, where he also disclosed that his campaign manifesto had been translated into several Nigerian languages.
The SDP candidate maintained that Nigeria could respond to public health concerns while allowing political activities to continue, provided appropriate safety measures were observed.
His comments followed an earlier statement by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, who said there was no immediate justification for cancelling political rallies, conferences or other large gatherings.
Pate had explained that any decision to introduce restrictions would depend on scientific evidence and consultations with public health specialists if the situation deteriorated.
Speaking on Nigeria's previous experience with Ebola, Adebayo recalled the country's response to the 2014 outbreak under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He referred to the roles played by former Health Minister Dr Onyebuchi Chukwu and the late Dr Stella Adadevoh, who treated Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian-American whose arrival brought the virus into Nigeria.
According to Adebayo, the government's handling of the 2014 outbreak was transparent, unlike what he alleged to be a lack of clarity surrounding the current situation.
He criticised the All Progressives Congress-led administration over its handling of public information, accusing it of allowing political considerations to influence important national issues.
The SDP candidate insisted that public health concerns should not become a reason to interfere with the electoral timetable.
He said his campaign organisation would continue its nationwide activities while complying with relevant health guidelines.
Adebayo also encouraged Nigerians to take necessary precautions and report suspected symptoms to appropriate health authorities.
Turning to his presidential ambition, he announced that the SDP had expanded the translation of its manifesto to make its policy proposals accessible to Nigerians from different linguistic backgrounds.
He explained that the document focused on security and welfare, which he identified as the fundamental responsibilities of government.
According to him, the manifesto was initially published in English, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba before being translated into additional Nigerian languages for wider circulation.
Adebayo said the initiative was intended to encourage voters to study the party's proposals and question its candidates on their plans for the country.
He stressed that Nigerians should assess presidential candidates based on their policy commitments and their ability to address national challenges.
Also speaking at the event, SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, commended Adebayo for making his policy document available ahead of the formal campaign period.
Gombe said the translation of the manifesto into languages including Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Kanuri and Fulfulde would enable more Nigerians to participate in discussions about the party's programmes.
He encouraged citizens to examine the proposals, offer constructive criticism and contribute ideas towards improving the document.
Speaking on behalf of the party's National Executive Committee, National Working Committee, 36 state chairmen and the Federal Capital Territory leadership, Gombe expressed support for Adebayo and his running mate, Dr Usman Bugaje, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.