BARAU JIBRIN DECLARES UNWAVERING LOYALTY TO TINUBU

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has publicly addressed the growing calls from political groups urging him to become President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election, declaring that he would do “whatever the President wants” when the time comes.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday ahead of the zonal public hearing of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau struck a deferential and loyal tone, deflecting discussions about 2027 politics and instead emphasizing the need for unity and unwavering support for President Tinubu’s administration. According to Barau, it is premature to delve into conversations about future elections when the current national focus should be on governance, stability, and supporting the President’s reform agenda.
“Honestly, I don’t want to say anything about this now,” Barau said in response to questions about growing support for him as a possible vice-presidential candidate. “What Mr. President is doing now is a work in progress. The best thing to do is to continue cooperating with the President and supporting him. Not only the legislature, but the entire people of this country should support the President.”
He acknowledged the groups calling for his elevation but maintained that his loyalty remains with Tinubu, whose leadership, he said, has personally benefited him and his people. “Mr. President is my political father,” he stressed. “You will be surprised if I tell you what he has done for me and my people. When the time comes and he says, ‘I want you to work with me,’ I would say, ‘Thank you, sir, and I will do it.’ I’m loyal to him 100%.”
Barau went further to highlight President Tinubu’s pivotal role in resolving political crises in Kano State, especially in ensuring that he was given the ticket to contest for the Senate in 2023 and subsequently supported in his bid to emerge as Deputy Senate President. “He stood by me to become the Deputy Senate President,” he revealed. “So, whatever he asks me to do, I’ll do.”
He brushed aside political maneuvering at this stage, arguing that national development should be the overriding focus. “Instead of wasting your energy on things that are not relevant now, channel your resources to support the President,” he advised those championing his potential candidacy. “When the time comes, we’ll play politics. But this time is for governance.”
Barau also spoke passionately about his ideological grounding in progressive politics, describing himself as a “progressive to the core” who shares the values of Tinubu’s political family. “We are all progressives. That’s my political history. We cherish loyalty. In 2027, I’ll do whatever he tells me to do,” he concluded.