Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, has finally spoken about the rumours that he may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
He addressed the issue on Wednesday, June 25, during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of a Senate constitution review hearing.
Recently, talks have been going around that President Tinubu may choose Barau Jibrin instead of Shettima for the 2027 election. Some groups, especially the Northern Nigeria Progressive Youth Assembly (NNPYA), have been openly supporting Barau for the vice-presidency. This has raised questions about possible changes in Tinubu’s 2027 ticket.
Speaking on the matter, Barau Jibrin said he has no part in the campaign pushing for him to become Tinubu’s running mate. He described the calls as “ill-timed” and said people should focus on governance for now instead of politics. “Honestly, I don’t want to say anything about this now,” he told reporters.
He also explained that he had advised those behind the campaign to stop wasting their time and resources. “I told them, instead of wasting energy on things that are not relevant now, channel your resources to support the president. When the time comes, we’ll play politics. But this time is for governance,” he added.
He made it clear that he is fully loyal to President Tinubu, who he described as his political mentor. He said Tinubu helped him and his people in Kano during difficult times, helped him secure his Senate ticket, and supported him to become Deputy Senate President. “If the time comes and he says, ‘I want you to work with me,’ I’ll say, ‘Thank you, sir,’ and I will do it. Whatever he asks me to do, I’ll do. I’m loyal to him 100 percent.”
He ended by saying that he and President Tinubu both belong to the same progressive political family and share the same values. “In 2027, I’ll do whatever he tells me to do,” Barau said.
