Former Minister of Aviation Denies Joining Opposition Coalition

Strategic Insights -

Despite reports suggesting otherwise, former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has categorically denied joining the Abubakar Atiku-led opposition coalition. In a statement posted on his X page, Mr Sirika expressed shock at the claims made by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, stating that he remains loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former President Muhammadu Buhari. The former minister also took a swipe at the media for not fact-checking the information before reporting, urging loyal APC members to ignore the reports and describing them as "pedestrian."

Key Takeaways:

  • Hadi Sirika, a founding member of the APC, denies joining the Abubakar Atiku-led opposition coalition despite reports to the contrary.
  • Sirika expressed loyalty to the APC and former President Muhammadu Buhari, and stated that he has no plans to leave the party.
  • The former minister took a swipe at the media for not fact-checking information before reporting, urging loyal APC members to ignore the reports.
  • Notable members of the opposition coalition include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President David Mark.
  • Sirika is currently facing trial for alleged corruption and abuse of office, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accusing him of awarding contracts to companies owned by his family members.

Statistics:

  • The EFCC alleges that Hadi Sirika awarded a N2.7 billion federal aviation contract to bypass regulatory approvals and awarded it to family-controlled companies.
  • The former minister's daughter and son-in-law's company, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, allegedly received N1.3 billion for an unexecuted aviation contract.
  • Hadi Sirika pleaded not guilty to charges of corruption and abuse of office.
  • The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been adopted as the platform for the 2027 general elections by the Atiku-led opposition coalition.

Sources:

  • Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Spokesperson
  • Nyesom Wike, Former Rivers State Governor
  • Hadi Sirika, Former Minister of Aviation
  • Premium Times
  • Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
  • Atiku Abubakar, Former Vice President
  • Rotimi Amaechi, Former Governor
  • David Mark, Former Senate President