From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, has dispelled speculations linking him as running mate to President Bola Tinubu in 2027, saying he would accept any political decision from the president about the 2027 elections.
He reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the President and described himself as fully committed to the current administration.
“This is not the time for politics. This is the time for governance,” Barau told journalists at a press conference in the National Assembly, where he also unveiled plans for nationwide public hearings on the ongoing constitutional review.
“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.”
Barau said he had no knowledge of the individuals behind recent campaign posters associating him with a 2027 presidential bid. “I don’t know the people behind those campaigns. They are not acting on my behalf,” he said. “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 also announced that zonal constitutional review hearings would be held on July 4 and 5 across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to allow ordinary citizens contribute to reshaping the 1999 Constitution.
“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.”
He disclosed that the committee had received 59 amendment bills so far, including proposals on state creation, restructuring and local government autonomy, but noted that new submissions were still welcome. “It is not limited to what we have received. Every Nigerian still has a chance to contribute,” he said.
For the upcoming hearings, Senate President Godswill Akpabio will chair the South-South session in Ikot Ekpene; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele will lead in Lagos for the South-West; the Deputy Chief Whip will head the South-East session in Enugu; Deputy Senate Leader will chair the North-Central hearing in Jos; Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno will lead in Maiduguri for the North-East; and Barau himself will host the North-West session in Kano.
He urged the media to help drive public awareness about the hearings, warning that without widespread participation, the reform effort would lack legitimacy.