Ralph Nwosu, the immediate past National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has disclosed that he turned down three ministerial offers from the Bola Tinubu administration. The appointments were allegedly proposed in an effort to prevent him from converting the ADC into a coalition-driven opposition party.
Nwosu made the disclosure on Tuesday during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where former Senate President David Mark was officially introduced as the new National Chairman. Additionally, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was announced as the new National Secretary.
“Some people tried to discourage us with promises of automatic ministerial appointments,” Nwosu said.
“They wanted to give me three ministerial slots so that I can take one and give two to others that I choose. But I said no. I chose a democratic future for Nigeria.”
He alleged that the offers were part of a broader agenda aimed at suppressing opposition voices and promoting a one-party system.
“Nigeria cannot be a one-party state after all we did to ensure the military exited governance,” he stated.
Nwosu noted that the ADC’s reformation into the Coalition Party on July 2 was observed by seven officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who were invited in their capacity as regulatory observers.
“The ADC is now the party with the largest membership. We have 28 senators and more than 60 members of the House of Representatives. Nigerians have shown that they detest what the party in government is doing right now,” he said.
He further explained that the party’s executive leadership, including members of both the National Working Committee (NWC) and NEC, stepped down voluntarily to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.
“We were very careful with the kind of people we are choosing to lead the party,” Nwosu said. “Our constitution says all elected members, serving and non-serving, are NEC members.”
He concluded by reaffirming the coalition’s purpose:
“We were worried by the declining fortunes of our democracy. But we insist on the coalition in the best interest of Nigeria.”
