Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, dismissed rumors linking him as a potential running mate to President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming 2027 presidential election. Speaking at a press conference in the National Assembly, Barau emphasized his unwavering loyalty to the president and his commitment to governance over politics at this time.
Barau stated, “This is not the time for politics. This is the time for governance. The President is working round the clock to tackle the challenges he inherited. He is my political leader, my father in this journey. I owe him everything, including my place in the Senate and my current office. My loyalty to him is total.”
He also clarified that he had no connection to the recent campaign posters promoting his alleged presidential bid, saying, “I don’t know the people behind those campaigns. They are not acting on my behalf. When the time for politics comes, we will talk. But for now, it’s about standing with Mr President, serving the country, and doing the job the people elected us to do.”
Barau’s statement aligns with his earlier rejection of calls from the Northern Nigeria Progressive Youth Assembly (NNPYA), who urged President Tinubu to select him as running mate, a suggestion he labeled “misplaced” and “premature.”
In addition to addressing political rumors, Barau unveiled plans for nationwide public hearings on the ongoing constitutional review process, set to hold on July 4 and 5, 2025, across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The hearings aim to bring the constitution review closer to Nigerians, particularly those unable to travel to Abuja.
“We are taking the Constitution review process to the doorsteps of Nigerians,” Barau said. “This is about inclusive democracy. People who cannot travel to Abuja must still have a say in how their country is governed.”
Barau revealed that the Senate Committee on Constitution Review has received 59 amendment bills, covering key issues such as state creation, restructuring, and local government autonomy, but emphasized that submissions remain open to all Nigerians.
The zonal hearings will be chaired by prominent Senate figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio (South-South in Ikot Ekpene), Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (South-West in Lagos), and Barau himself (North-West in Kano), among others.
Urging media support for widespread public awareness, Barau stressed the importance of citizen participation, warning that the legitimacy of the reform effort depends on broad involvement.
He concluded by commending the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for initiating the town halls and expressed confidence in the success of the process.
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