‘National Embarrassment,’ NDC Slams Tinubu Government Over Failed 112 Emergency Line Demonstration
...As APC Excludes Alwan Hassan from Official Campaign Spokesperson Line-Up
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has described the failed demonstration of Nigeria’s 112 emergency line by President Bola Tinubu’s Campaign Spokesperson, Mallam Alwan Hassan, as a “national embarrassment,” accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of failing to deliver on critical public services.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NDC criticised the incident, which occurred during a live television appearance, saying the failure of the emergency line raised serious questions about the state of Nigeria’s emergency response infrastructure and the government’s preparedness to protect citizens.
The party dismissed the explanation that the failure was caused by network issues, stressing that Nigerians require a functional emergency response system capable of providing assistance during accidents, violent attacks, medical emergencies, and other life-threatening situations.
It argued that the incident reflected broader governance challenges, including insecurity, poorly equipped hospitals, unreliable public infrastructure, failing institutions, and the rising cost of living.
The NDC also accused the Tinubu administration of being more concerned with defending its public image than addressing the difficulties confronting Nigerians, emphasising that government resources and official platforms should be used to deliver tangible results rather than generate favourable publicity.
The party described the incident as evidence of what it called the administration’s failure and called on the APC government to acknowledge its shortcomings and prepare to leave office in 2027.
It further advocated a change in leadership, expressing support for a proposed government under the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Meanwhile, the APC Presidential Campaign Council has announced changes to the structure of its Directorate of Media and Strategic Communications, restricting official communication on behalf of the Council to three designated officials.
According to a statement issued by the Chief of Staff to the President and Deputy Director-General (Administration) of the Council, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Director-General, Senator Abdulaziz Yari; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, are now the only authorised spokespersons for the campaign.
The directive also stated that all previously announced persons serving in spokesperson capacities would henceforth become members of the Directorate of Media and Strategic Communications.
The development effectively removes Alwan Hassan from the campaign’s list of officially designated spokespersons.
The Council also advised radio and television stations to take note of the changes, adding that appropriate representatives would be delegated for media appearances whenever necessary.
The restructuring comes against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding Hassan’s unsuccessful attempt to demonstrate the functionality of the 112 emergency line on national television, an incident the NDC has used to question the government’s commitment to effective public service delivery.
