Hadi Sirika, the former minister of aviation, has denied reports that he has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the platform for opposition politicians seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Sirika is reacting to comments by Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), during an interview on Arise TV and a news report quoting Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy.
In a post on his X handle, Sirika said he remains committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has no intention of leaving the party.
“I watched HE Nyesom Wike today on Arise claiming that I have joined the so-called coalition,” the former minister wrote.
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“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.”
He criticised both Wike and Onanuga, saying they should have verified the information before making public claims.
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“At their levels, they ought to fact check,” Sirika said.
“I call upon our loyal members to ignore both statements and consider them pedestrian.”
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.
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