Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, has dismissed reports linking him to an opposition coalition formed to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Sirika, who served as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, made the clarification on Wednesday, September 3, during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
“No I am not,” he said when asked if he had joined forces against Tinubu.
The former minister confirmed visiting the Presidential Villa on Tuesday and meeting 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.
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The coalition, spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and adopted by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in July, has attracted notable figures including Rotimi Amaechi and David Mark, who now serves as ADC’s national chairman.
Asked whether his visit to the Villa was linked to his ongoing corruption trial, Sirika insisted it was unrelated.
“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,” he explained.
On the corruption case, he declined detailed comment. “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,” Sirika said.