By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Presidency on Wednesday blasted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over allegations that the administration of President Bola Tinubu attempted to bribe its leadership with three ministerial appointments, describing the claims as a “reckless fabrication meant to mislead Nigerians and salvage a fractured opposition.”
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Tinubu, in a strongly worded statement on X (formerly Twitter), dismissed the allegation by ADC’s founding chairman, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, as “false, baseless and utterly laughable.”
Nwosu had, during the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, alleged that senior government officials offered him a ministerial position and two additional slots for nominees of his choice in a bid to weaken the growing opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
He further claimed that when he rejected the offer, the government resorted to “kidnappings and intimidation” against opposition figures.
But Bwala fired back, insisting that no government official in the Tinubu administration has the power to promise ministerial slots except the President himself.
“From his words as reported, you know that he lied, that senior government officials of the Tinubu administration promised him three ministerial slots to not surrender his party to the coalition for a wild goose chase,” Bwala stated. “No government official(s) of whatever rank in our government can promise or grant ministerial slots but Mr President.”
*Challenges opposition party to name officials who allegedly offered them ministerial slots
He challenged Nwosu to publicly name the alleged officials behind the purported offer, saying, “A serious allegation such as this cannot be thrown into the public space without evidence.”
Bwala also mocked the ADC, describing it as an “Association of Disorganised Characters,” and questioned the credibility of its coalition-building efforts, which have recently attracted high-profile politicians like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Nasir El-Rufai.
“The truth is simple,” Bwala added. “The ADC and its so-called coalition are struggling for relevance and are now manufacturing lies to create the illusion of victimhood. Nigerians know better than to fall for this cheap political gimmick.”
*ADC insists on coalition’s 2027 ambition
The ADC, which has recently hosted opposition heavyweights such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai, insists it remains committed to building a credible coalition capable of unseating the APC in 2027.
Nwosu, who formally handed over the party’s leadership to a caretaker committee led by former Senate President David Mark on Tuesday, described the ADC’s growth as “a testament to its resilience.”
He claimed the party now has “over 100 elected officials, including 28 senators and 46 House of Representatives members,” achieved without a primary election cycle — a claim political observers have questioned.
The new caretaker committee also includes former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Secretary and Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary.
Despite the ADC’s bravado, the Presidency insists it will not be distracted by “shameless theatrics” from opposition parties.
“President Tinubu is busy fixing Nigeria, not chasing shadows,” Bwala concluded.
*Tinubu meets behind closed doors with Kwankwaso’s ally as NNPP reps say defection to APC possible
Meanwhile, President Tinubu met behind closed doors with Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, an ally of the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State, Musa Kwankwaso, on Wednesday.
Jibrin, who represents Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency of Kano State and former Chairman of Appropriation Committee in the 8th House of Representatives, is one of the loyalists of Senator Kwankwaso.
Fielding questions from State House correspondents after meeting behind closed doors with President Tinubu on whether he is contemplating joining the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Jibrin, who was circumspect in his response, said nothing is impossible.
He said, “I do not think it is time for that conversation, but everything is open, and it’s a possibility. The most important things are the stability and unity of the country. And I believe that when we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”
The lawmaker said his visit should not surprise observers given the long relationship between Tinubu and NNPP national leader Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso.
According to him, “I came to see Mr President, and, of course, the long-term friendship that the President has also enjoyed with the national leader of the NNPP, Kwankwaso.
“So I do not think it’s anything surprising to see me here to see the President, to greet him, check on him, and also discuss some national issues that I believe are in the interest of the people of this country.”
Asked whether he was on a peace mission amid recent tensions between the Presidency and the NNPP leader, Jibrin said both leaders are committed to the country’s progress despite their disputes.
Recall that Senator Kwankwaso had recently accused the Tinubu administration of lopsided execution of infrastructure projects, which, he said, favoured the South.
Jubrin said, “Well, both of them are very experienced politicians. The President is a first-class politician.
“Of course, the national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician, and I believe that both of them are committed to the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
“So, irrespective of the comments that were made, I do not think that it should be a source of concern that I’m seen in the villa during this period.”
He also urged a measured assessment of the administration’s record.
The lawmaker contended, “Every leader does his best, and it depends on how you want to rate him. You can choose to see the cup as half full or half empty.
“You can decide to access someone and say, ‘See, you’ve done well, but there’s still much to be done.’ And there are so many ways that you can do an assessment.
“But I also believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion. And it can always just contribute to deepening the discourse, and sometimes it might turn out to be a blessing in disguise.”
