Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has dismissed reports linking him to an opposition coalition working against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sirika, who served two terms under former President Muhammadu Buhari, made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday.

“No, I am not,” Sirika said when asked if he had joined the coalition reportedly led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

He confirmed that he visited the Presidential Villa on Tuesday and met with the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, where the issue was raised.

“Yesterday, I was with Chief Bayo Onanuga in the Presidential Villa, and he said I was in the coalition. I told him I was not and never will be. He said he got that from reports. People can join coalitions — it is democracy,” Sirika stated.

Atiku and other political figures, including former Senate President David Mark and ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi, in July launched an opposition coalition, adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform. The group has pledged to “provide capable and compassionate leadership.”

Sirika, however, distanced himself from the alliance.

The former minister is currently facing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations that he awarded multibillion-naira aviation contracts to companies linked to his daughter, Fatima Sirika, and son-in-law, Jalal Hamma.

According to the EFCC, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, a firm allegedly connected to Sirika’s relatives, received ₦1.3 billion for an aviation project that was never executed. The agency also claims Sirika split a ₦2.7 billion contract to evade regulatory approvals.

When asked if his visit to the Villa was to seek a soft landing over his case, Sirika declined to comment, citing ongoing court proceedings.

He said his visit was to pay condolences to President Tinubu following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari and to reaffirm support for the administration.

“I am a very clean man. I have worked with people. The government has every instrument at their disposal to assess my character,” he said.