Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, has dismissed reports linking him to an opposition coalition working against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Sirika, who served as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday.
“No I am not,” he said when asked about claims that he had joined forces against Tinubu.
The former minister confirmed that he visited the Presidential Villa on Tuesday and met with presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
“Yesterday, I was with Chief Bayo Onanuga in the presidential villa and he said I was in the coalition.
“I told him I was not and never will be. He said he got that from the reports. People can join coalition, it is democracy,” Sirika stated.
The opposition coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had in July adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform ahead of the 2027 elections. It pledged to provide “competent, capable, and compassionate leadership” for Nigerians.
Key figures in the coalition include Atiku, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Senate President David Mark, who now serves as ADC National Chairman.
Since leaving office in 2023, Sirika has been facing trial over alleged corruption and abuse of office. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused him of awarding multi-billion-naira contracts to companies linked to his family members, including his daughter, Fatima Sirika, and his son-in-law, Jalal Hamma.
The EFCC alleges that Sirika split a ₦2.7 billion aviation contract to bypass regulatory approvals, with Al Buraq Global Investment Limited — a company allegedly controlled by his relatives — receiving ₦1.3 billion for an unexecuted project.
When asked if his recent Villa visit was aimed at seeking a “soft landing” in relation to his trial, Sirika dismissed the suggestion, saying the case remains before the court.
“The purpose of the meeting was to officially pay our condolences to the President who did extremely well after the demise of our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Also to appreciate him of what he has done and to assure him of the support of our party for which he is our leader.
“Unfortunately, this matter is in court of law and it is not a matter that should be subjected to the press.
I am very clean man. I have worked with people. the government has every instrument at their disposal to find my character,” he added.
