Ex-Buhari’s minister refutes claims of joining coalition party, says he’s loyal to APC

Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has dismissed suggestions that he has aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a political coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Sirika’s denial comes in response to remarks made by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, during an appearance on Arise TV, as well as a news article quoting presidential aide Bayo Onanuga.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sirika reaffirmed his allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting he has no intention of defecting.

“I watched HE Nyesom Wike today on Arise claiming that I have joined the so-called coalition,” he wrote.

“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 criticized both Wike and Onanuga for circulating what he described as misinformation without adequate verification.

“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 controversy follows the recent unveiling of the ADC coalition platform in Abuja, an event that drew several influential political figures, including former APC National Chairman John Oyegun, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, ex-Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and David Mark, former Senate President and interim ADC chair.