The nomination for the Deputy Senate President of the 10th Assembly was made by the lawmaker representing Kwara North, Saliu Mustapha, and was seconded by another member. Barau, upon accepting the nomination, emerged as the Deputy Senate President unopposed. The declaration was made by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Magaji Tambuwal.
Initially, Barau had expressed his interest in the position of Senate President. However, after a meeting with President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Kano lawmaker decided to withdraw from the race and accept the role of Deputy Senate President.
During the early stages, there was strong competition for the position, with lawmakers Sani Musa and Orji Kalu expressing their interest. However, when Barau was chosen as the preferred candidate, Musa withdrew from the race. Kalu, on the other hand, continued his campaign until Monday evening when governors and lawmakers from the South-East held a meeting with Akpabio, Barau, and the president.
