The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has distanced himself from recent campaigns calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pick him as a running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement released by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Barau made it clear that he does not support the moves by groups like the Northern Nigeria Progressive Youth Assembly (NNPYA), who are promoting him as a possible running mate for Tinubu.
He noted that such campaigns are not necessary right now and called on the groups involved to put their energy into supporting the 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.”
Barau urged all supporters and political groups to focus on helping the President succeed, rather than creating distractions that could divide attention. He said Nigeria is facing serious problems, and all hands should be on deck to help the administration tackle them.
“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.”
The statement came shortly after a tense political event in Gombe State on Sunday, June 15, 2025. At a summit of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders from the North-East, party members expressed frustration when Mustapha Salihu, the APC North-East Vice Chairman, announced Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election without mentioning Vice President Kashim Shettima. The omission caused protests among some party members who believed Shettima deserved recognition.
Meanwhile, there have been rising speculations that Barau Jibrin or other influential northern politicians might replace Shettima as running mate. However, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru said that the party has not started any formal talks on who will be Tinubu’s running mate in the next election.
