Ex-President Buhari’s Minister denies joining opposition coalition to unseat Tinubu
Ex-President Buhari’s Minister denies joining opposition coalition to unseat Tinubu
Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has publicly denied reports linking him to a newly formed opposition coalition.
The group, which includes prominent political figures, aims to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Morning Brief,” Sirika stated unequivocally, “I am not” a part of the coalition and said he “never will be.”
He explained that he had even clarified this directly with presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga after Onanuga mentioned seeing reports about his alleged involvement.
Sirika confirmed that his recent visit to the Presidential Villa was to pay condolences to President Tinubu following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, not to join any political group.
The opposition coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform for the 2027 elections.
The alliance says its goal is to offer Nigerians “competent, capable, and compassionate leadership.”
Besides Atiku Abubakar, other notable figures reportedly associated with the group include former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Senate President David Mark, who has been named the ADC’s national chairman.
Sirika has been facing legal issues since leaving office in 2023. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused him of corruption and abuse of office, alleging that he awarded multi-billion naira contracts to companies owned by his daughter and son-in-law.
When asked if his visit to the Presidential Villa was an attempt to get a “soft landing” for his legal troubles, Sirika declined to comment, stating it would be prejudicial.
