Presidency Denies Offering Ministerial Slots to Ex-ADC Chairman Ralph Nwosu

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has refuted claims that the Presidency offered ministerial appointments to the former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, in exchange for abandoning efforts to reposition the party as a strong opposition platform.

Bwala issued the denial in a statement posted on his official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, dismissing the allegation as baseless and asserting that only the President has the constitutional authority to offer ministerial positions.

Nwosu had, during the ADC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Tuesday, alleged that unnamed individuals within the Tinubu administration offered him three ministerial slots in a bid to dissuade him from backing the coalition that recently repositioned the ADC under the leadership of former Senate President David Mark.

But in a swift response, Bwala accused Nwosu and his associates of engaging in political theatrics, warning that their actions were gradually reducing the party to what he described as an “association of jesters.”

He stated, “From his words as reported, you know that he lied that senior government officials of the @officialABAT administration promised him three ministerial slots to not surrender his party to the coalition for a wild goose chase.”

Bwala stressed that no official, regardless of rank, has the authority to promise such appointments without the President’s approval.

“No government official(s), of whatever rank in our government, can promise or grant ministerial slots except Mr President,” he said. “If a promise of ministerial slots was to be made to Mr Nwosu, it would have been made by the President and to him directly.”

Challenging the credibility of Nwosu’s claim, Bwala questioned why the former ADC chairman failed to disclose the identities of the alleged government officials.

“The same courage he mustered in claiming he was promised ministerial slots by government officials could have been used in naming them — their names and positions in this administration,” Bwala added.

He concluded by expressing dismay at what he described as the growing disorganisation within the ranks of the ADC, warning that such conduct does little to inspire public confidence.

“They are painfully graduating to the Association of Jesters or Association of Disorganised Characters,” he remarked.

The controversy comes amid ongoing efforts by several opposition figures to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the ADC emerging as a key platform for potential coalition activities.