The Presidency has categorically denied allegations made by Dr. Ralph Okey Nwosu, former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), claiming he was offered ministerial slots in exchange for halting plans to align the ADC with an emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former National Chairman of ADC, Ralph Nwosu
Dr. Nwosu had, during the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday, alleged that representatives of the Federal Government approached him with an offer of three ministerial appointments — one for himself and two for individuals of his choosing.
According to him, the offer was intended to dissuade him from positioning the ADC as a strategic platform for opposition forces.
In a swift response, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, Mr. Daniel Bwala, took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday to dismiss the claim as entirely false and misleading.
“From his words as reported, you know that he lied,” Bwala stated pointedly, while addressing the assertion that high-ranking officials within the Tinubu-led administration had made such an offer.
Bwala emphasized that only the President has the constitutional authority to grant or promise ministerial appointments, stating, “No government official(s) of whatever rank in our government can promise or grant ministerial slots but Mr President.”
He further criticized Nwosu’s failure to provide concrete details about the alleged meeting or name the individuals involved.
“The same courage he mustered in alleging he was promised ministerial slots by government officials could have been used in naming those individuals and specifying their positions in the government,” Bwala added.
In a sharp rebuke, he concluded, “They are painfully graduating into an association of jesters or an Association of Disorganised Characters,” referring to Nwosu and his political allies.
The statement from the Presidency appears aimed at reinforcing its stance on due process and distancing itself from allegations of political manipulation or backdoor negotiations with opposition elements.