Jibrin Barau distances self from calls to replace Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate in 2027

Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, has distanced himself from calls by a northern group urging President Bola Tinubu to name him as his running mate in the 2027 elections.

The Northern Nigeria Progressive Youth Assembly (NNPYA) had in recent days canvassed support for Barau as a possible replacement for Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, Ismail Mudashir, special adviser on media and publicity to the deputy senate president, said his principal had no hand in the campaign and considered it “ill-timed”.

“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,” the statement reads.

“This is out of place at this moment and not in our best interest.”

Barau, who also serves as first deputy speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, said supporters should focus their energy on backing the president to deliver on his mandate.

“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.

“If you are truly my supporters, please desist from this unnecessary clamour and join the train to restore the glorious days of our country under the able leadership of President Tinubu.

“Let us rally around His Excellency to continue delivering his lofty programs encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Barau reiterated his loyalty to the current administration, noting that it is too early to start discussing the 2027 elections.

“This is not the time to engage in this kind of clamour,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

On June 19, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu would choose his 2027 running mate after the next convention of the ruling party.

“That’s what happened under Buhari; he was nominated first and later picked his running mate. You don’t do both at once,” Onanuga said.

“Once INEC releases the timetable, the party convention will hold, and if the president is nominated again, he will choose his running mate.”