As political speculation continues to swirl ahead of the 2027 general elections, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has made it clear: he will not break ranks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — no matter what.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Barau addressed recent calls from political groups urging Tinubu to select him as running mate for 2027. His response was both deferential and definitive.
“Whatever the President asks me to do, I will do it — 100 per cent. He is my political father,” Barau stated. “If he says work with me, I’ll say ‘thank you, sir,’ and do it.”
Loyalty First, Politics Later
The Kano-born lawmaker dismissed premature campaign speculations, stressing that governance should take precedence over politicking.
“It’s too early to talk 2027. The President is working hard to fix inherited problems. We must support him. When he succeeds, we all succeed,” he said.
Barau, a key figure in the progressive political bloc, emphasized that his loyalty to Tinubu is rooted in shared ideology and long-standing personal support.
“Mr President stood by me during difficult times in Kano. I’m loyal to the core — 100 percent,” he reiterated.
Constitution Review: Public Hearings Set to Begin
Beyond politics, Barau used the briefing to spotlight the Senate’s ongoing constitutional review process. He revealed that the zonal public hearings — covering 59 bills and 31 proposals — would soon kick off across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Zonal Hearing Locations and Chairs:
- South-South (Ikot Ekpene): Chaired by Senate President Godswill Akpabio (or representative)
- North-West (Kano): Chaired by Barau Jibrin
- South-West (Lagos): Chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele
- North-Central (Jos): Chaired by Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru
- North-East (Maiduguri): Chaired by Chief Whip Tahir Monguno
- South-East (Enugu): Chaired by Deputy Chief Whip Peter Nwebonyi
He called on Nigerians to submit memoranda and actively participate, insisting that inclusive constitutional reform is vital for deepening democracy.
