The Presidency has rubbished claims by a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Ralph Nwosu, that he was offered ministerial slots to sabotage his party.

Nwosu made the claim when a former Senate President, David Mark, was inaugurated as the National Chairman of the ADC at its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, held on Tuesday at the Chelsea Hotel, Abuja.

"They offered me ministerial slots—one for myself and two for people of my choice—but it was all aimed at killing the coalition. When that failed, they resorted to kidnappings and intimidation. Yet, we stood firm for Nigeria," he stated.

Nwosu also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state funds to destabilise the coalition led by the ADC, including funding lodging for political saboteurs in Abuja's most expensive hotels.

"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 said.

Reacting, presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala described Nwosu's words as lies.

He shared on X, "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 went on to issue facts on why Nwosu's claims are false.

He said, "No government official(s) of whatever rank in our government can promise or grant ministerial slots but Mr President.

"If a promise of ministerial slots would be made to Mr Nwosu, it would be made by the president and to him directly.

"The same courage he mustered, saying he was promised slots by the officials, could have been used in mentioning their names and positions in this government

"They are painfully graduating to association of jesters or Association of Disorganised Characters.'

ASA