Amid the increasing speculation regarding who will be President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has affirmed his unwavering loyalty to Tinubu, asserting that he will comply with any requests made by the President.
Barau made this statement today during a media briefing concerning the upcoming zonal public hearings of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, where he addressed the rising calls for him to be considered as Tinubu’s running mate in the forthcoming general election.
He stated, “I prefer not to comment on this matter at present because one thing is abundantly clear. Since the beginning of this administration, Mr. President has been diligently working to alter the course of the country in a manner that will foster prosperity for the nation.
“Thus, raising this issue at this juncture is rather premature. That is why I candidly informed those groups that I do not know them. I appreciate their faith in me. However, I advised them, ‘Instead of expending energy on matters that are not pertinent at this time, direct your efforts towards supporting the President. When the appropriate time arrives, we will engage in politics. But this moment is dedicated to governance.’
“Mr. President is my political mentor. You would be astonished if I began to recount what he has accomplished for me and my community. Therefore, whenever he requests my assistance in the future, I will respond affirmatively. I am deeply loyal to him.
“Consequently, if the time arrives and he asks me to collaborate with him, I will comply; whatever he requests of me, I will fulfill. I am loyal to him, without reservation.”
Senator Barau also shared updates regarding the upcoming zonal public hearings of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, which he leads.
He disclosed that the committee is presently evaluating 59 bills and 31 proposals, with additional input anticipated through public memoranda.
The hearings will take place across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including the South-South (in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State; presided over by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, or his delegate), North-West (in Kano, chaired by Barau), and the South-West (in Lagos; led by the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele).
Additionally, the North-Central (in Jos; overseen by Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru), North-East (in Maiduguri; directed by the Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno), and the South-East in Enugu (chaired by the Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Peter Nwebonyi).
