By Abiola Olawale
Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has categorically dismissed claims that he has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.
This is as he emphasized his commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement issued via his verified X account on July 3, 2025, Sirika addressed speculations fueled by comments from prominent political figures, calling for party loyalists to disregard the rumors.
The controversy arose following remarks by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), during an appearance on Arise TV, where he suggested that Sirika had joined the ADC-led opposition coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Additionally, a report attributed to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, echoed similar claims.
Reacting, Sirika asserted: “I watched HE Nyesom Wike today on Arise claiming that I have joined the so-called coalition.
“Whilst still in shock, I read on Premium Times this evening a report credited to Chief Bayo Onanuga, making the same claim.
“I am a founding member of the APC; I gave it its name. I have no plans to leave it. I will always be where President Buhari is. If you must hate him, hate me too. I have no apology.
“At their levels, they ought to fact-check,” Sirika said.
“I call upon our loyal members to ignore both statements and consider them pedestrian.”
The New Diplomat reports that on Wednesday, several prominent Nigerian political figures were spotted at the unveiling of ADC as the platform of the opposition coalition, held in Abuja.
Among those present were John Oyegun, the former national chairman of the APC; former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Rauf Aregbesola, former minister of interior; Aminu Tambuwal, the ex-governor of Sokoto; and former Senate President David Mark, who is now the interim national chairman of the ADC.
