A former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has declared his intention to contest the Katsina-North Senatorial zone seat in the 2027 general elections, even as he continues to stand trial over alleged corruption charges.
Sirika made the announcement on Friday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Katsina, where he disclosed that his decision to rejoin the race was influenced by persistent appeals from his supporters.
According to the former minister, his focus, if elected, would be on improving the living conditions of people across the senatorial district.
Sirika is no stranger to legislative duties, having previously served as a member of the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007, before his election to the Senate in 2011.
During his tenure as aviation minister, the ministry unveiled the controversial Nigeria Air in 2023, just three days before the end of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The unveiling of the controversial national carrier, however, sparked widespread concerns among stakeholders across the country, particularly over its ownership structure.
Under the arrangement, Ethiopian Airlines held a 49 percent stake, the Federal Government retained 5 percent, while a consortium of three Nigerian investors controlled the remaining 46 percent.
Meanwhile, Sirika is currently being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of abuse of office and the award of contracts worth billions of naira to his relatives during his time in office as aviation minister, including that of Air Nigeria.
Despite the on-going trial, his declaration signals a return to active electoral politics ahead of the 2027 polls.
