Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has publicly reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that he would do whatever the president wants.
This is coming amidst increasing speculation about who might be chosen as Tinubu’s running mate in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, Barau addressed the rising calls from various political groups urging President Tinubu to select him as his running mate in the next election cycle.
While acknowledging the growing attention, the Deputy Senate President described the discussions as premature and reiterated his firm commitment to supporting Tinubu’s current administration.
“I don’t want to say anything about this now because one point is very clear. Mr. President, since the inception of this administration, has been trying so hard to change the trajectory of the country in a way that will bring prosperity to the nation,” Barau said.
He explained that his focus, for now, remains on helping the President succeed in delivering good governance, not on political ambition.
Barau disclosed that he had addressed those championing his candidacy, asking them to shift their energy towards more meaningful national support.
“That’s why I told those groups frankly, I don’t know them. I thank them for believing in me. But I told them, ‘Instead of wasting energy on things that are not relevant now, channel your resources to supporting the President. When the time comes, we’ll play politics. But this time is for governance,’” he added.
Senator Barau went on to describe his longstanding political relationship with President Tinubu, calling him a mentor and father figure.
“Mr. President is my political father. You’ll be surprised if I start telling you what he has done for me and my people,” he said.
Barau further made it clear that if President Tinubu ever asked him to work alongside him in any political capacity, he would gladly oblige.
“So, whenever he asks me to do something when the time comes, I’ll do it. I’m very loyal to him. So, if the time comes and he says I should work with him, I will do it, whatever he asks me to do, I’ll do. I’m loyal to him, 100 per cent,” he affirmed.