![Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika [PHOTO CREDIT: aviation.gov.ng/]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2023/01/Hadi-Sirika.png?fit=1024%2C707&ssl=1)
A former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has denied joining the Abubakar Atiku-led opposition coalition, despite reports to the contrary.
In a statement posted on his X page on Friday, Mr Sirika expressed shock at claims made by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike that he had joined the coalition.
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Mr Sirika, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed his loyalty to the party and former President Muhammadu Buhari. He stated that he has no plans to leave the APC and will always stand with President Buhari.
The former minister called on the media to fact-check information before reporting, expressing disappointment at the lack of verification in the stories published about his alleged involvement with the opposition coalition.
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He also urged loyal APC members to ignore the reports, describing them as “pedestrian.”
The Atiku-led opposition coalition had on Tuesday adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for the 2027 general elections.
The coalition said it aims to provide a competent, capable, and compassionate leadership that prioritises the welfare of Nigerians.
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Notable members of the coalition include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President David Mark, who has been appointed as the National Chairman of the ADC
Mr Sirika is currently facing trial for alleged corruption and abuse of office. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused him of awarding multi-billion naira contracts to companies owned by his family members, including his daughter, Fatima Sirika, and son-in-law, Jalal Hamma.
Specifically, the EFCC alleges that Mr Sirika split a federal aviation contract worth N2.7 billion to bypass regulatory approvals and awarded them to family-controlled companies.
The EFCC said Mr Sirika’s daughter and son-in-law’s company, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, allegedly received N1.3 billion for an unexecuted aviation contract.
The former minister pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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