Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has firmly denied reports linking him to an opposition coalition plotting against the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Sirika, who served two terms under former President Muhammadu Buhari, clarified his position during an interview with newsmen on Wednesday.
“No, I am not,” he said, dismissing the speculation as unfounded.
He confirmed that he had visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, where he met with presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
Opposition Front
In early July, the coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform for the 2027 general elections.
The group has pledged to provide Nigeria with competent, capable, and compassionate leadership focused on citizens’ welfare.
Prominent members of the coalition include Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President David Mark, who now serves as the ADC’s National Chairman.
Trial and Allegations
Since leaving office in 2023, Sirika has faced trial over alleged corruption and abuse of office. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused him of awarding multi-billion-naira aviation contracts to companies linked to his daughter, Fatima Sirika, and son-in-law, Jalal Hamma.
According to the EFCC, Sirika split a federal aviation contract worth ₦2.7 billion to bypass regulatory approvals, with Al Buraq Global Investment Limited a company controlled by his family members allegedly receiving ₦1.3 billion for an unexecuted project.
Addressing speculation that his visit to the Villa was connected to his ongoing trial, Sirika insisted that the matter remains before the courts and should not be subjected to media judgment.
“The purpose of the meeting was to officially pay our condolences to the President, who demonstrated great leadership after the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari. It was also to appreciate him for his efforts and to assure him of the support of our party, for which he is our leader. Unfortunately, this matter is in court and cannot be discussed in the press,” he said.
Reaffirming his integrity, Sirika added: “I am a very clean man. I have worked with people. The government has every instrument at its disposal to assess my character.”
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