Presidency Reacts to Ministerial Slot Claims by ADC’s Ralph Nwosu
The Presidency has dismissed claims by Ralph Nwosu, the former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), that he was offered three ministerial slots to abandon plans of forming a coalition opposition party.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, issued a firm rebuttal via his verified X account on Wednesday.
No One Can Promise Ministerial Positions but the President — Bwala
Bwala stated unequivocally that only President Tinubu has the authority to grant ministerial appointments, not any other government official.
“No government official(s) of whatever rank in our government can promise or grant ministerial slots but Mr President,” Bwala emphasized.
He added that if such an offer were ever made to Nwosu, it would have come directly from the President himself.
Nwosu Alleges Ministerial Enticement to Abandon Opposition Movement
Nwosu made his explosive claims during the ADC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday. According to him, “some people” approached him with an offer of three ministerial appointments in exchange for shelving his plan to transform the ADC into the nucleus of a broader opposition coalition.
The same NEC meeting also witnessed a symbolic transition of party leadership to former Senate President David Mark, marking a new era for the ADC.
Bwala: ADC Turning Into “Association of Jesters”
Responding sharply, Bwala mocked the ADC’s leadership, stating:
“They are painfully graduating to Association of Jesters or Association of Disorganised Characters.”
He challenged Nwosu to name the officials involved, questioning why someone with such bold allegations would shy away from disclosing names and designations.
“The same courage he mustered saying he was promised slots by the officials could have been used in mentioning their names and positions in this government,” Bwala concluded.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Opposition Landscape
The exchange highlights rising tensions within Nigeria’s fragmented opposition and the growing attempts to consolidate power blocs ahead of the 2027 general elections. With David Mark now steering the ADC and discussions of a united opposition gaining momentum, the battle for political relevance is heating up both inside and outside of Aso Rock.
