The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has publicly affirmed his readiness to fully support President Bola Tinubu in all matters concerning the 2027 general elections, including any decision by the President to select him as a running mate.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Barau responded to inquiries about political groups advocating for his nomination as Tinubu’s vice-presidential candidate. He stated, “Whatever the President asks me to do, I will do it — 100 per cent. He is my political father. If he calls on me to work with him, I will simply say, ‘Thank you, sir’ and I will do it.” Okay.ng reports that this declaration underscores Barau’s loyalty and commitment to the current administration.
The Kano-born legislator emphasized that discussions about the 2027 elections are premature. According to him, the priority should be on governance and supporting President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to address national challenges. “Mr President has been working hard to reposition Nigeria and tackle the problems he inherited. He is a kind-hearted and open-minded leader who stood by me when I faced challenges in Kano,” Barau remarked.
He further described President Tinubu as “the father of the nation” and stressed the importance of collective support for the administration’s success. “For now, we stand by him, we are working with him, and we want him to succeed. When he succeeds, we all succeed,” he added.
While acknowledging that some political groups have expressed interest in his vice-presidential candidacy, Barau advised them to channel their energies towards backing the President’s government rather than engaging in early political maneuvering. “When the time comes, we will talk politics. For now, let us face governance and support Mr President to succeed. When he succeeds, we all succeed,” he reiterated.
Barau also reaffirmed his allegiance to the progressive political family to which both he and President Tinubu belong. “I am a progressive to the core, and loyalty is something I cherish deeply. I am 100 per cent loyal to Mr President,” he said.
In addition to addressing political questions, Barau used the occasion to highlight the Senate Committee on Constitution Review’s upcoming zonal public hearings. He explained that the committee would examine 59 bills and 31 proposals already submitted, with further public input expected through memoranda.
The hearings will take place across six geopolitical zones: Ikot Ekpene (South-South), Kano (North-West), Lagos (South-West), Jos (North-Central), Maiduguri (North-East), and Enugu (South-East). Each zone will be chaired by senior Senate officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Barau himself.
These hearings aim to gather comprehensive feedback from Nigerians on proposed constitutional amendments, ensuring broad participation in the legislative review process.
