Ebola outbreak may force postponement of 2027 elections — NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned that the 2027 general elections could be postponed if the Ebola outbreak spreads widely across Nigeria.

According to P.M. News, NCDC Director-General Jide Idris disclosed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.

“We hope the election will not be postponed, but if the thing gets wide enough, that might be considered. As of now, there is no need for that,” Idris said.

The NCDC chief stressed that public health emergencies should not be politicised, dismissing concerns that the government might exploit the outbreak to influence elections.

He explained that health authorities had monitored the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo before its reported arrival in Nigeria.

Idris identified international travel, population movement and activities at entry points as potential transmission risks.

He maintained that any consideration of postponement would depend on the outbreak’s severity and spread.