Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has publicly reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, stating his readiness to accept any role the President deems fit for him in the 2027 general elections, including potentially serving as a running mate. This declaration comes amidst growing speculation and calls from certain groups, such as the Northern Nigeria Progressive Youth Assembly (NNPYA), for him to be considered as a replacement for Vice-President Kashim Shettima in the next election cycle.

Speaking at various press briefings, Barau consistently emphasized that discussions about the 2027 presidential election are premature and that the current focus should be on governance and supporting President Tinubu’s administration. He urged groups advocating for his candidacy to channel their energy towards national development, asserting, “When the time comes, we’ll play politics. But this time is for governance.” He also distanced himself from these campaigns, describing them as “ill-timed.”

Senator Barau articulated his profound loyalty to Tinubu, whom he described as his political father. He credited President Tinubu with playing a pivotal role in his political career, including resolving political tensions in Kano, ensuring his Senate ticket in 2023, and supporting his emergence as Deputy Senate President. “You’ll be surprised if I start telling you what he has done for me and my people,” Barau stated, adding that he is “100 percent loyal” and will do “whatever he asks me to do.” He further highlighted their shared political tradition within the progressive family, emphasizing that their fates are tied together.

Beyond the political speculation, Senator Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, provided updates on the ongoing efforts to review the 1999 Constitution. He revealed that the committee has received 59 bills and 31 proposals for consideration, with further contributions anticipated through public memoranda. To ensure broad participation and reflect the aspirations of all Nigerians, the committee is scheduled to hold zonal public hearings across the country’s six geopolitical zones on July 4th and 5th.

These hearings will be chaired by senior senators from the respective zones: the South-South (Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State) by Senate President Godswill Akpabio or his representative; the North-West (Kano) by Barau himself; the South-West (Lagos) by Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; the North-Central (Jos) by Deputy Senate Leader Senator Lola Ashiru; the North-East (Maiduguri) by Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; and the South-East (Enugu) by Deputy Chief Whip Senator Peter Nwebonyi. Barau urged professionals, academics, and grassroots participants to actively engage in this crucial constitutional reform process to shape the future of the country.