The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has revealed that the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government made attempts to destabilize the party by offering it three ministerial slots — one for the former National Chairman, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, and two for his nominees — in a bid to fracture the growing opposition coalition.
This revelation was made during the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja, where former Senate President David Mark was officially inaugurated as the new National Chairman of the party. In a valedictory address that detailed both the party’s rapid growth and challenges faced, outgoing Chairman Nwosu described the alleged offer as a “desperate attempt” by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to sabotage the party’s unity and undermine democracy.
They offered me ministerial slots—one for myself and two for people of my choice—but it was all aimed at killing the coalition,” Nwosu revealed. “When that failed, they resorted to kidnappings and intimidation. Yet, we stood firm for Nigeria.
He further accused the APC of using public funds to lodge political saboteurs in Abuja’s most expensive hotels, claiming the goal was to cause division within the ADC and the larger opposition alliance. “But we said no. ADC said no. We believe Nigeria needs a viable opposition to protect its democracy from sliding into a one-party fascist state,” he added.
Under Nwosu’s leadership, the ADC claims to have expanded dramatically, boasting 28 senators, 46 House of Representatives members, and more than 50 state Assembly members—all without contesting in a general election.
Accepting his new role, David Mark pledged to lead the party with integrity, transparency, and inclusivity. He announced bold reforms, including a commitment to reserve 35% of party leadership positions for women and significant inclusion of youth under the age of 40. “Internal democracy, transparency, and accountability will be our mantra,” Mark declared. “From the polling units to the national level, every organ will be re-energised.”
He also revealed plans to establish a 50-member policy committee that will develop the ADC’s agenda across critical sectors like health, education, security, agriculture, and the economy. “Our goal is to ensure ADC becomes synonymous with ideology-driven politics and patriotic governance.
This party will not be driven by individuals but by values, policies, and the collective aspirations of Nigerians,” Mark said. Mark emphasized the need to build a competent and independent party bureaucracy with structured financing and zero tolerance for anti-party activity
