Barau Jibrin Declares Unwavering Loyalty to Tinubu, Vows to Follow Presidential Directive in 2027

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has firmly expressed his unwavering commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating clearly that he would comply with any directive from the President, especially concerning the 2027 presidential race.

His statement comes amid increasing speculation over potential choices for Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election. Jibrin’s name has surfaced among political circles as a likely vice-presidential candidate, prompting his public reaction during a press briefing on the upcoming zonal public hearings for the Senate Committee on Constitution Review.

“I don’t want to speak on that issue right now, but one thing is very obvious. Since this administration began, Mr. President has been working diligently to steer the country in a new direction that fosters prosperity,” Barau said.

He emphasized that discussions around running mates at this stage are premature and urged political groups to redirect their efforts toward supporting the Tinubu-led government.

“That’s why I told the groups who brought up this idea that I don’t know them personally, but I appreciate their support. I also told them that it’s too early to focus on such political matters. We should instead concentrate on governance. When it’s time for politics, we will handle that. But now is the time to build the nation,” he added.

Barau further described President Tinubu as his political mentor, emphasizing that his loyalty was absolute and unwavering.

“He’s my political father. If I start listing the things he has done for me and my constituents, you would be amazed. So, whenever he instructs me to take action in the future, I will obey. I am 100% loyal to him,” he declared.

In addition to his remarks on loyalty and political speculation, the Deputy Senate President also provided key updates on the forthcoming zonal public hearings organized by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, which he chairs.

According to him, the committee is currently handling 59 bills and 31 constitutional proposals, with the expectation that more feedback will be collected from citizens through public memoranda.

He confirmed that these hearings will be held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring national participation in the constitutional reform process.

The zonal hearings are scheduled as follows:

• South-South Zone: Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State – chaired by Senate President Godswill Akpabio or his representative.
• North-West Zone: Kano – chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin himself.
• South-West Zone: Lagos – chaired by Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.
• North-Central Zone: Jos – chaired by Deputy Senate Leader Senator Lola Ashiru.
• North-East Zone: Maiduguri – chaired by Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno.
• South-East Zone: Enugu – chaired by Deputy Chief Whip Senator Peter Nwebonyi.

Barau reiterated the importance of broad public engagement and constitutional inclusiveness, highlighting the hearings as a vital platform for citizens to shape the country’s democratic future.