Nigeria, July 4 -- A former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has denied joining the Abubakar Atiku-led opposition coalition, despite reports to the contrary.

In a statement posted on his X page on Friday, Mr Sirika expressed shock at claims made by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike that he had joined the coalition.

Mr Sirika, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed his loyalty to the party and former President Muhammadu Buhari. He stated that he has no plans to leave the APC and will always stand with President Buhari.

The former minister called on the media to fact-check information before reporting, expressing disappointment at the lack of verification in...