Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has publicly distanced himself from mounting calls for him to be named as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 general election.
These calls, made most notably by the Northern Nigeria Progressive Youth Assembly (NNPYA), were described by Barau as “misplaced” and untimely.
In a statement released through his spokesman, Ismail Mudashir, the senator appealed to his supporters to stop the campaign and instead back the president’s current administration.
>“My attention has been drawn to various posts on social media and in some national dailies by some groups, including the Northern Nigeria Progressive Youth Assembly (NNPYA), urging our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to pick me as his running mate come 2027. This is out of place at this moment and not in our best interest,” he stated.
Barau emphasized that political focus should remain on helping President Tinubu deliver on his promises rather than premature speculations about 2027.
“I want to appeal to the NNPYA and all other groups and individuals engaged in this clamour to refrain forthwith and channel their energies and resources towards supporting President Tinubu in his quest to address the numerous challenges facing our country,” he said.
He added that this is not the appropriate time for such political debates, stressing unity and commitment to the president’s agenda.
“This is not the time to engage in this kind of clamour. What should be paramount to all of us at this moment is the success of the President. He is genuinely committed to turning around our country’s fortunes positively,” he noted.
“Therefore, I appeal to all to support him in continuing with his programs and policies that have started to bear positive fruits. Be part of the team to restore the glorious days of our country,” Barau added.
This statement comes amid a tense political atmosphere in the APC, particularly after a recent summit in Gombe State on June 15, where APC stakeholders from the North-East gathered.
The event turned chaotic when Mustapha Salihu, the APC North-East Vice Chairman, endorsed Tinubu for re-election but failed to mention Vice President Kashim Shettima, causing protests among some attendees.
Speculation has been rife about the possibility of Barau or other influential northern politicians being considered as running mates to President Tinubu in 2027.
However, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru has clarified that no discussions on the vice-presidential ticket have officially started.
