Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed claims that he recently declared his intention to contest the presidency, describing such reports as a misrepresentation of his remarks.
Speaking on Friday, Baba-Ahmed said his comments had been taken out of context, stressing clearly that no declaration was made.
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said.
He explained that his recent public statements were limited to reaffirming his continued membership of the Labour Party, amid ongoing political conversations about the party’s future and its prominent figures. While acknowledging that political possibilities may arise in the future, he emphasised that no decision or announcement has been made.
The clarification follows widespread reports on traditional and social media suggesting that Baba-Ahmed was positioning himself for a presidential run ahead of the next general election, a development that triggered intense debate among supporters and political observers.
Explaining further, he said, “Two days ago, what I did was simply say that I remain in the Labour Party. I never declared to contest the presidency, even though there could be a possibility of that happening. I certainly did not declare for the presidency. I reiterated my membership of the Labour Party, and that is all.”
Baba-Ahmed noted that any declaration of interest would be guided strictly by the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the internal processes of the party.
“The submission I made was that one will have to wait for the INEC timetable and for the party to make the call for people to indicate their interest. I did not declare,” he said.
He also criticised the role of social media in spreading misinformation, urging professional media organisations to prioritise accuracy and responsible reporting.
“It is unfortunate that social media can be so sensational, putting out wrong narratives to emotional listeners. I believe formal media should serve as filters and barriers so that the general public can always consume the correct information,” he said.
