Former African Democratic Congress National Chairman Ralph Nwosu has revealed that he rejected three ministerial appointments offered to derail plans to transform the party into a coalition opposition force.
Nwosu made the disclosure during Tuesday’s National Executive Committee meeting that formally installed former Senate President David Mark as ADC’s new leader and appointed ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
“Some people tried to discourage us with promises of automatic ministerial appointments,” Nwosu told party members. “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.”
The former chairman framed the offers as part of a wider attempt to establish one-party dominance, warning: “Nigeria cannot be a one-party state after all we did to ensure the military exited governance.”
The ADC officially transitioned into the Coalition Party on July 2 under INEC supervision, with seven electoral officials witnessing the process. Nwosu revealed the party now boasts unprecedented growth, claiming: “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.”
Detailing the leadership transition, Nwosu explained that both the National Working Committee and NEC members voluntarily resigned to facilitate the takeover. “We were very careful with the kind of people we are choosing to lead the party,” he noted, adding that the party’s constitution automatically includes all elected officials in NEC membership.
The coalition move has triggered massive public support, with Nwosu disclosing: “Our membership surged to over three million within two weeks of announcing the coalition.” He concluded by reaffirming the party’s democratic commitment: “We were worried by the declining fortunes of our democracy. But we insist on the coalition in the best interest of Nigeria.”
