Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has dismissed reports suggesting that he recently declared his intention to contest the presidency.
According to him, his recent public remarks were limited to reaffirming his membership of the Labour Party, amid growing political discussions about the future direction of the party and its key figures. He acknowledged that while political possibilities may exist in the future, no announcement or decision has been made at this time.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed clarified that his comments had been misinterpreted, stressing that no such declaration was made.
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said.
This statement follows numerous reports in the media and on social media suggesting that Baba-Ahmed was laying the groundwork for a presidential bid in the upcoming general election. Those claims triggered considerable discussion among his supporters and political analysts, many of whom interpreted his remarks as a clear indication of presidential ambitions.
In his clarification, Baba-Ahmed explained:
“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.”
“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.
Baba-Ahmed also criticised the role of social media in amplifying misinformation, urging professional media organisations to ensure accuracy.
“It is unfortunate that social media can be so sensational, putting out wrong narratives to emotional listeners. I believe formal media like yours should serve as filters and barriers so that the general public can always consume the correct information,” he said.
The clarification by Datti Baba-Ahmed puts to rest speculations about his immediate presidential ambition, reaffirming his commitment to the Labour Party.
He stressed that any future political move would follow the official INEC timetable and the party’s formal process.
As political realignments continue in Nigeria’s opposition space, attention now shifts to how the Labour Party will navigate its leadership ahead of 2027.
