Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), has addressed growing speculation about his possible selection as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Barau emphasized his unwavering loyalty to the president and reiterated his readiness to serve in any capacity as directed by Tinubu.
Responding to questions about calls from various political groups advocating for him to be considered as Tinubu’s vice-presidential candidate, Barau said, “Whatever the President asks me to do, I will do it — 100 percent.”
He acknowledged the support of the political groups but maintained that discussions around the 2027 election were premature. “Honestly, I don’t want to say much about this now. The President has been working tirelessly to reposition the country since assuming office. He inherited many challenges, and we’ve been working with him, supporting his efforts,” he said.
Barau described Tinubu as a father figure and commended his open-minded leadership. He urged supporters to shift their focus from future elections to supporting the current administration’s governance agenda. “Instead of expending energy on irrelevant matters, I advised those groups to use their resources to support Mr. President. Politics will come later, but now is the time for governance,” he stressed.
Expressing deep personal gratitude, Barau recalled Tinubu’s support during the 2023 elections. “When we had challenges in Kano, it was Mr. President who resolved them. He ensured I got the Senate ticket and later backed me to become the Deputy Senate President,” he recounted.
He added, “If he ever asks me to work with him in any capacity, I will gladly say, ‘Thank you, sir,’ and I will do it. I’m loyal to him completely.”
Barau also highlighted his ideological alignment with the president. “We are from the same progressive political family. I have always been a progressive, and I remain committed to our shared values.”
His remarks come amid reports suggesting President Tinubu may consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 election. The Presidency has responded by saying any decisions about the president’s running mate will be made after the APC national convention in 2026.
