By Samuel Adeola
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, has declared his full loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, saying he is ready to do whatever the president asks of him in 2027.
Barau made the statement on Wednesday during a press briefing ahead of the zonal public hearings organized by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review.
When asked about the growing calls for him to become President Tinubu’s running mate in the next election, Barau said it was too early to discuss politics.
He instead praised the president’s leadership and focus since taking office.
“President Tinubu inherited serious challenges, but he has remained focused on national progress. We’ve been working with him day and night because he is the father of the nation,” Barau said. “At this time, there is no point talking about running mate issues.”
He urged his supporters to focus on governance rather than political ambitions. “Instead of wasting energy on things that are not relevant now, channel your resources to support the president,” he added.
Barau referred to Tinubu as his political father and recalled how the president supported his bid for the Senate and later for the position of 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 am loyal to him 100 percent,” he stated.
Barau emphasized that both he and Tinubu belong to the same political tradition, one rooted in loyalty and service. “In 2027, I will do whatever he tells me to do,” he affirmed.
Speaking on the constitution review process, Barau revealed that the committee has received 59 bills and 31 proposals.
Zonal public hearings will be held in Ikot Ekpene, Kano, Lagos, Jos, Maiduguri, and Enugu, with senior senators overseeing the sessions.
Meanwhile, the Northern Nigeria Progressive Youth Assembly (NNPYA), has begun campaigning for Barau to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima. However, Barau’s media aide, Ismail Mudashir, distanced his principal from the movement, describing it as “ill-timed.”
