Hadi Sirika Denies Involvement in Coalition Against Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election Bid
Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has publicly refuted claims linking him to an emerging opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. In a candid interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Sirika dismissed the reports as unfounded and clarified that he has no affiliation with the group in question.
The speculation
surrounding Sirika’s political alignment intensified following his recent visit
to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he met with presidential spokesperson
Chief Bayo Onanuga. According to Sirika, Onanuga had mentioned seeing reports
suggesting the former minister was part of the coalition. Sirika responded
firmly, stating, “No, I am not,” and emphasized that he “never will be”
involved in such a movement. He acknowledged that while others may choose to
join coalitions as part of democratic engagement, his personal stance remains
clear and unwavering.
The
coalition in question is reportedly led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar
and has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform
for the 2027 general elections. Prominent figures associated with the alliance
include former Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Senate President David Mark,
who now serves as the ADC’s National Chairman. The group claims to be focused
on delivering “competent, capable, and compassionate leadership” to address the
needs of Nigerians.
Sirika’s
denial comes amid ongoing legal scrutiny. Since leaving office in 2023, he has
faced allegations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over
the award of multi-billion naira contracts to companies allegedly linked to his
family members, including his daughter Fatima Sirika and son-in-law Jalal
Hamma. When asked whether his visit to President Tinubu was an attempt to seek
leniency regarding these charges, Sirika declined to comment, citing the legal
sensitivity of the matter.
Instead,
he explained that the purpose of his visit was to formally offer condolences to
President Tinubu following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari,
under whom Sirika served two terms. He praised Tinubu’s leadership during the
period of mourning and reiterated his loyalty to the current administration.
Sirika’s
statement appears to be a strategic move to distance himself from political
controversy and reaffirm his support for President Tinubu as the country begins
to look ahead to the 2027 elections.
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