The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to sabotage its growing opposition coalition by offering a bribe of three ministerial positions.

The revelation was made on Tuesday during the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where former Senate President David Mark was formally inaugurated as the new National Chairman of the party.

In a valedictory address, outgoing National Chairman and ADC founder, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, recounted how the Federal Government allegedly approached him with an offer of three ministerial slots — one for himself and two for individuals of his choosing — in an attempt to kill the coalition.

“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.”

Describing the offer as a desperate ploy to fracture the unity of the opposition, Nwosu accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using public funds to bankroll a campaign of political sabotage.

“They lodged political saboteurs in Abuja’s most expensive hotels,” he alleged. “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 praised the resilience of the party, noting that despite attempts to undermine it, the ADC has grown significantly in influence and representation. According to Nwosu, the party now boasts over 100 elected officials, including 28 senators, 46 members of the House of Representatives, and scores of state assembly lawmakers—all without a major general election.

“ADC has grown from a small bungalow into a political mansion,” he said. “We are expanding at a phenomenal pace.”

The NEC meeting also witnessed key structural decisions. A motion moved by South West Zonal Vice Chairman, Idowu Rasaq, ratified the reinstatement of previously suspended party members—excluding Ibe Kachikwu. Another motion, presented by National Organising Secretary Suleiman Ibrahim, called for the immediate dissolution of the National Working Committee (NWC), paving the way for a caretaker committee.

The new caretaker leadership has David Mark as Chairman, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary, and six Deputy National Chairmen representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Nwosu urged all party stakeholders to support the new leadership, warning that “a single bad person” in the team could unravel years of progress.

He also disclosed that the announcement of Mark’s appointment has triggered a massive surge in support for the ADC, with over three million Nigerians reportedly registering as paying members within a week. According to Nwosu, state chapters are now requesting at least two million additional membership cards each to meet demand.

“There is no better reward than what Nigerians are giving us now,” Nwosu said. “Our children and grandchildren can sleep well knowing that we stood up when it mattered most.”