OBJ Said ‘We Want To Associate With ADC But I Won’t Be Chairman’ I Said ‘Baba, The Party Is Open’ — Nwosu
OBJ Said ‘We Want To Associate With ADC But I Won’t Be Chairman’ I Said ‘Baba, The Party Is Open’ — Nwosu
Former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralphs Nwosu, has revealed details of a past conversation with former President Olusegun Obasanjo regarding efforts to align with the party as part of broader political realignments in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview aired on Arise News, Nwosu recounted how Obasanjo expressed interest in associating with the ADC after what he described as extensive consultations and internal evaluations.
According to Nwosu, Obasanjo had reached out with a clear proposition. “He called me and said, ‘We want to associate with your party.’ I said, ‘I will die.’ He said, ‘No, we are serious. We’ve done our due diligence and we’ve identified ADC as the party,’” Nwosu stated.
He explained that he welcomed the move, stressing the openness of the party to partnerships aimed at national development. “I said, ‘Baba, the party is open,’” he added, using a familiar term of respect for the former president.
However, Nwosu disclosed that Obasanjo also made it clear that such an alliance would come with structural changes, including leadership adjustments. “He told me, ‘But you won’t be chairman because we want to build a grand party,’” Nwosu revealed.
In response, Nwosu said he had no reservations about relinquishing leadership, emphasizing that his commitment to the ADC has always been driven by a broader national vision rather than personal ambition. “What am I doing with the chairmanship? I didn’t build the party to be chairman. I built the party to put it forward for Nigeria,” he said.
The former party chairman noted that the discussion underscored ongoing efforts within Nigeria’s political space to foster stronger coalitions and more inclusive platforms capable of expanding democratic participation.
He further stressed that collaboration remains essential in strengthening political institutions, adding that openness and inclusivity continue to define the ADC’s philosophy as stakeholders explore new alignments ahead of future electoral contests.
