The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has distanced himself from growing calls for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pick him as a running mate for the 2027 elections.
In a statement released on Tuesday by his media adviser, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau described the clamour by the Northern Nigeria Progressive Youth Assembly (NNPYA) as ill-timed and counterproductive.
“This is out of place at this moment and not in our best interest,” Barau said.
He appealed to the youth group and others pushing the agenda to halt the campaign and instead focus on supporting Tinubu’s administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Political discourse in recent weeks has been charged over whether Vice President Kashim Shettima would retain his spot on the APC ticket in 2027. The debate intensified after some North-East APC leaders withheld endorsement of Shettima during a meeting in Gombe.
Addressing his supporters, Barau emphasized the need for unity and national development over early electioneering.
“If you are truly my supporters, please desist from this unnecessary clamour and join the train to restore the glorious days of our country,” he urged.
Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, reiterated his loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a genuine effort to address Nigeria’s challenges.
“This is not the time for political scheming. Let us focus on delivering positive change under the president’s leadership,” he added.
