The immediate past National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has revealed that he rejected three ministerial appointments offered by the Bola Tinubu-led administration in a bid to dissuade him from transforming the ADC into a coalition opposition platform.
Nwosu made the disclosure on Tuesday during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ADC, where former Senate President David Mark was officially unveiled as the new National Chairman of the party. Also announced was former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as the new National Secretary.
“Some people tried to discourage us with promises of automatic ministerial appointments,” Nwosu stated. “They wanted to give me three ministerial slots—one for me and two for whomever I choose. But I said no. I chose a democratic future for Nigeria.”
He noted that the move was part of a larger plan by the ruling party to stifle the opposition and entrench a one-party system in Nigeria. “Nigeria cannot be a one-party state after all we did to ensure the military exited governance,” he added.
Nwosu disclosed that the ADC’s transformation into the Coalition Party on July 2 was witnessed by seven Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials invited as regulatory observers. He claimed the party now boasts the largest membership nationwide, with 28 senators and over 60 members of the House of Representatives.
He further stated that the ADC’s National Working Committee (NWC) and NEC leadership voluntarily stepped down to enable a smooth transition. “We were very careful with the kind of people we are choosing to lead the party,” he explained, citing that all elected members, serving and non-serving, are constitutionally NEC members.
Concluding his remarks, Nwosu said: “We were worried by the declining fortunes of our democracy. But we insist on the coalition in the best interest of Nigeria.”
