By Rafiyat Sadiq
Former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has claimed he was offered three ministerial slots in a bid to dissuade him from transforming the ADC into an opposition coalition party.
Nwosu made the revelation on Tuesday during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja, where leadership was officially handed over to former Senate President David Mark. The meeting also named former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary of the party.
“Some people tried to discourage us with promises of automatic ministerial appointments,” Nwosu told party officials. “They offered me three ministerial slots, one for me and two for others I could nominate. But I refused. I chose a democratic future for Nigeria.”
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He described the attempt as part of a wider plan to suppress political opposition and create a one-party state. “Nigeria cannot return to that model after our efforts to end military rule,” he said.
On July 2, the ADC officially rebranded as the Coalition Party, with Mark appointed as interim National Chairman. Nwosu said the transition was overseen by seven officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who attended the process as observers.
According to him, the party now commands a membership of over three million people. He also claimed the Coalition Party holds 28 seats in the Senate and over 60 in the House of Representatives.
“The surge in our membership in just two weeks shows that Nigerians are tired of the current administration,” he added. “People want real change, and that is what we represent.”
Nwosu explained that both the National Working Committee (NWC) and NEC members stepped down voluntarily to ensure a smooth leadership transition. “We were careful in choosing leaders who reflect our democratic values,” he said.
He insisted that the party’s decision to form a coalition was motivated by a desire to strengthen democracy and protect Nigeria’s multi-party system.
Presidency Denies Bribery Claim, Labels Nwosu’s Allegation False
The presidency has strongly denied Nwosu’s allegation, describing it as baseless and lacking in credibility.
Responding in a statement on Wednesday night, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, said Nwosu’s claim was implausible.
“From his words as reported, you know that he lied,” Bwala said in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle.
He explained that no official in the Tinubu administration, regardless of rank, has the authority to offer ministerial positions except the President himself.
“If there was any such offer, it would have come directly from Mr President,” Bwala stated. “No one else can make such a promise.”
Bwala also questioned why Nwosu failed to name those involved. “The same courage he used to allege this should have been used to mention names and positions,” he said.
Taking aim at the emerging opposition front, Bwala added, “They are painfully graduating into an association of jesters or disorganised characters.”
The development has drawn sharp interest from political observers, many of whom are watching the evolving dynamics of opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
