Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has dismissed claims that he has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the newly adopted platform of the opposition coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Sirika’s rebuttal followed remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during an interview on Arise TV. The claims were also echoed in a news report referencing Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sirika firmly denied the reports and reaffirmed his commitment to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I watched His Excellency Nyesom Wike today on Arise TV claiming that I have joined the so-called coalition,” Sirika wrote. “While still in disbelief, I read a Premium Times report this evening, quoting Chief Bayo Onanuga, making a similar allegation. I am a founding member of the APC—I even gave the party its name. I have no intention of leaving it.”
He added, “I will always stand with President Buhari. If you must hate him, then hate me as well. I have no apology.”
Sirika also criticized Wike and Onanuga for making public statements without verifying the facts, stating, “At their level, they ought to fact-check. I urge our loyal members to disregard both claims—they are baseless and pedestrian.”
The clarification came a day after several prominent political figures gathered in Abuja for the formal launch of the ADC as the new political platform for the opposition alliance. Notable attendees included former APC national chairman John Oyegun, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former Senate President David Mark, who now serves as interim national chairman of the ADC.
