Former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has revealed that he was offered three ministerial slots by officials within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a bid to stop the use of ADC as a coalition platform for the opposition.
Nwosu made this disclosure during the ADC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday, where the leadership of the party was formally handed over to former Senate President, David Mark, now serving as interim National Chairman.
Nwosu said he rejected the offer because he believed in Nigeria’s democratic future and the need to build a strong opposition. “Some people offered me three ministerial slots, but I chose the future of democracy over personal gain,” he stated.
According to Nwosu, the attempt to block ADC from becoming the opposition coalition party shows that some government figures are uncomfortable with the rising strength of the party. “ADC is now the largest opposition platform, with over 3 million members, 28 senators, and more than 60 members of the House of Representatives,” he added.
The NEC meeting, monitored by seven INEC officials, also marked the official transformation of ADC into a coalition party. Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was named National Secretary, while Bolaji Abdullahi was appointed National Publicity Secretary. Deputy national chairmen were also selected from all six geopolitical zones.
A series of motions were passed during the meeting: the outgoing leadership was formally dissolved, expelled members from 2022 were reinstated, and a new caretaker leadership was sworn in.
In his acceptance speech, David Mark described his appointment as “a new chapter” for ADC. He pledged to uphold internal democracy, transparency, and inclusion, promising 35% leadership representation for women and more roles for young people.
He also announced plans to form a 50-member policy committee to craft a detailed national agenda covering health, education, security, economy, and infrastructure. “Nigerians must know us as a party driven by ideas, not individuals,” he said.
The former Senate President called on Nigerians to join ADC, saying the party stands for fairness, unity, and opportunity for all.
