Ralph Nwosu, the former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has revealed that he was offered three ministerial slots by figures within the current administration to prevent the party from serving as a platform for an emerging opposition coalition.
Nwosu made the disclosure during the final National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ADC, which officially transferred the party’s leadership to former Senate President David Mark. The meeting also saw the formal announcement of former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as the new National Secretary.
Speaking at the session, Nwosu stated:
“Some people tried to discourage us with promises of automatic ministerial appointments three slots, one for me, two for others I would choose. But I said no. I chose the democratic future of Nigeria. This country cannot descend into a one-party state after everything we did to end military rule.”
According to him, attempts were made to derail the coalition effort using both financial incentives and strategic disruptions, with some government-aligned forces allegedly offering political rewards to keep ADC from leading a united opposition front.
On July 2, the ADC formally repositioned itself as the vehicle for an opposition coalition, appointing David Mark as interim National Chairman. During the NEC meeting, monitored by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nwosu emphasized that the party’s transformation was democratic and intentional.
He claimed the party’s membership surged to over three million within two weeks of the coalition’s formation, adding that ADC now holds 28 Senate seats and over 60 House of Representatives members.
“This is the government in waiting,” Nwosu said, reiterating the party’s commitment to democratic values and lamenting the current state of insecurity and governance.
During the transition meeting, several motions were passed:
- The first motion, moved by South-West Zonal Chairman Razzaq Eyiowuawi, called for the recall of all members expelled in 2022.
- The second, moved by outgoing National Organising Secretary Suleman Ibrahim and seconded by Dr. Charles Idowu, dissolved the existing NWC led by Nwosu, effective July 29, 2025.
The newly formed National Caretaker Committee was sworn in, with David Mark as Chairman, Aregbesola as National Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary, and deputy national chairmen appointed across all six geopolitical zones.
In his acceptance speech, Mark promised transparency, accountability, and inclusive leadership. He praised Nwosu and his team for their foundational work, pledging that ADC would operate on principles of internal democracy and modern organizational standards.
“We will build a technically competent bureaucracy, guarantee collective leadership, and ensure our structures from polling units to national levels reflect grassroots strength,” Mark said.
Mark further announced that 35% of leadership roles would be reserved for women, and that youths under 40 would be given substantial representation not just symbolic roles.
To redefine the party’s ideological direction, the ADC will establish a 50-member policy committee covering sectors such as health, education, technology, and security.
“Our policies will reflect the aspirations of Nigerians. ADC will not be left to the whims of individual candidates. We are here to build a party of integrity, ideas, and national unity,” Mark concluded.
He called on all Nigerians to join the reformed ADC, promising a platform of equal opportunity beyond ethnic, religious, or regional lines.
