By Muhammad Mamman
Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, has firmly dismissed claims that he has aligned himself with an opposition coalition seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, the former two-term minister under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari stated categorically:
“No, I am not,” in response to speculation of his involvement in the coalition.
Sirika confirmed that he visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, where he met with presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
“Chief Onanuga mentioned I was part of the coalition, and I told him I was not – and never will be. He explained he had read it in reports. People are free to join coalitions; that’s democracy. But I am not involved,” he clarified.
The opposition coalition, spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. Its stated mission is to provide “competent, capable and compassionate leadership” that prioritises the welfare of Nigerians. Other notable figures in the bloc include former Governor Rotimi Amaechi and ex-Senate President David Mark, who now serves as ADC’s National Chairman.
EFCC Charges Still Pending
Since leaving office in 2023, Sirika has faced prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged corruption and abuse of office. The EFCC accuses him of awarding multi-billion-naira aviation contracts to companies linked to his family, including his daughter, Fatima Sirika, and son-in-law, Jalal Hamma.
One such contract, worth ₦2.7 billion, was allegedly split to sidestep regulatory scrutiny, with ₦1.3 billion reportedly paid to their firm, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, for a project that was never executed.
Asked whether his Presidential Villa visit was an attempt to seek a “soft landing” on the corruption charges, Sirika dismissed the suggestion, insisting the case remains before the courts.
“Our purpose was simply to pay condolences to the President over the loss of our leader, Muhammadu Buhari, and to commend him for his efforts while pledging our party’s support,” he explained.
He further maintained his innocence, saying:
“I am a clean man. I have worked with integrity. The government has all the instruments at its disposal to assess my character.”
