BOLA AND EBOLA: WHERE DID THE ₦10 BILLION GO? — ATIKU Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Tinubu administration’s failure to account for the ₦10 billion approved for Ebola preparedness, saying the confirmed case in Abuja has exposed a dangerous breakdown in the government’s response. He also warned against using the outbreak to suppress political activity and discourage Nigerians from voting. In a statement by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said: “Ebola is a grave public health threat. Nigerians deserve urgent action, competent leadership and the truth. Instead, the first confirmed case in Abuja has exposed unanswered questions about preparedness, surveillance and the protection of health workers. Tinubu must account for the ₦10 billion he said would be released immediately in June. “Where is the money? Publish the amount actually disbursed, the dates of payment, every contract awarded, every recipient and every item delivered. If the money was not released, Tinubu must explain why he announced emergency funding that never reached the people responsible for protecting Nigerians. A press statement cannot replace an audit. “The timeline is damning. The patient arrived in Nigeria on October 5, developed symptoms on October 7 and sought care at a private hospital on October 11. The government did not confirm the case publicly until October 20, nine days after she sought care. During that critical period, 44 close contacts were left unmonitored, while private health workers faced the case without adequate protective equipment. This is a failure of preparedness with potentially grave consequences. “The government must disclose what happened at every stage. What travel history and exposure screening were conducted? What follow-up began when the patient developed symptoms? When were the 44 contacts first reached and monitored? Why were frontline staff left without the protection they needed? Nigerians deserve answers, and those responsible for these failures must be held accountable. “In June, Tinubu announced a Presidential Task Force chaired by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Today, Nigerians must ask whether political appointees have been allowed to overshadow the medical experts who should lead this response. The NCDC, epidemiologists, doctors and public health professionals must be in charge, with the authority and resources to act. Political titles cannot trace contacts, equip hospitals or save lives. “Nigerians are already battling the economic hardship created by Tinubu’s policies. Now the government’s failure to prepare and respond threatens to deepen public anxiety and disrupt movement, livelihoods and economic activity. The people must not pay twice for the same failure: first through hardship, then through a bungled emergency response. Both caused by Bola. “I am also alarmed by confirmed information that the Minister of Health’s press conference tomorrow is intended to discourage Nigerians from attending campaign rallies and, ultimately, from voting. It is ridiculous that the same Minister of Health, whose entire ministry was funded with N35 million disbursement in 2025 appropriation and was not involved in the Ebola prevention programme is now being promoted to make health emergency announcements.

ATIKU LAUNCHES ‘ASK AA’ PORTAL TO OPEN DIRECT CHANNEL TO NIGERIANS The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has unveiled Ask AA, an information and citizen-engagement portal that gives Nigerians a direct opportunity to ask him questions about his political agenda, record in public service and plans for the country. The portal goes live at 8:30 p.m. today, 15 October 2026. The free-access platform allows Nigerians to submit questions on issues including the economy, security, technology, job creation and Atiku’s plan to make life more affordable. Atiku will respond personally to questions, while his media team will also help provide answers. Powered by technology, Ask AA is designed to help bridge the information gap between voters and the ADC presidential candidate by making it easier for citizens to engage with him and access information about his positions and proposals. “The objective of this initiative is to bring Atiku Abubakar closer to the electorate through a practical, problem-solving platform,” said Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council. Shaibu added that the initiative reflects Atiku’s commitment to using modern technology to make government more efficient, secure and effective. For communities without internet access, the campaign plans to make the platform accessible through a radio interface. In announcing the initiative on his social media accounts, Atiku said he conceived Ask AA because he believes that “leadership is a two-way conversation.” He said: “For too long, governance has felt distant—locked behind walls of bureaucracy. But our country’s greatest resource isn’t oil or land; it is our people. If we are going to build the Nigeria of our dreams, we must start by tearing down the walls between leaders and the people. “That is why I am launching Ask AA—a direct citizen-engagement platform built for transparency, accountability and dialogue. No filters, no intermediaries. “Whether you want to question my economic record, discuss my policy plans for technology, security and job creation, or share your own recommendations for national progress, nothing is off the table. I want to hear your questions, your policy critiques and your best ideas. “Beyond answering questions here, I will personally call selected citizens who leave their contact details so I can hear directly about their experiences and the issues affecting their daily lives. “A transparent, technology-driven government is not a promise for tomorrow. It begins with how we listen to you today. “I’m logged in and ready. If you could ask me one question, what would it be?” Signed: Phrank Shaibu Director of Strategic Communication ADC Presidential Campaign Council 15 October 2026