Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), says he will not hesitate to accept the role of running mate to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election if offered.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday ahead of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review’s zonal public hearings, Jibrin responded to growing calls from political groups urging Tinubu to consider him for the vice presidency.
“If the President says I should work with him, I’ll say, ‘Thank you, sir,’ and do it,” Jibrin declared. “He is my political father, and I’m 100% loyal to him.”
While expressing gratitude for the support of those backing his potential candidacy, Jibrin cautioned that now was not the time for politicking. “Let’s focus on governance. There’s a lot of work to be done. Talks about 2027 are premature,” he said.
He praised President Tinubu for his leadership and recalled how Tinubu resolved political disputes in Kano and supported his emergence as Deputy Senate President.
Jibrin also reiterated his commitment to the progressive ideals of the APC and emphasized loyalty, unity, and service.
He went on to outline the structure of the upcoming zonal constitutional review hearings, which will review 59 bills and 31 proposals. Hearings will be held in six zones as follows: South-South: Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom – Chaired by Senate President Godswill Akpabio (or representative); North-West: Kano – Chaired by Senator Barau Jibrin; South-West: Lagos – Chaired by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; North-Central: Jos – Chaired by Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru; North-East: Maiduguri – Chaired by Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Mongunoand South-East: Enugu – Chaired by Deputy Chief Whip Peter Nwebonyi
He encouraged citizens to participate and submit memoranda, saying public input is essential to the review process.