Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has refuted claims that he recently announced an intention to contest the presidency.
Baba-Ahmed, who spoke on Channels Television on Friday, said his statements had been wrongly interpreted, insisting that he made no declaration regarding a presidential bid.
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” the running-mate to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, said.
He explained that his recent comments were solely meant to reaffirm his continued membership of the Labour Party, particularly amid ongoing conversations about the party’s future and the roles of its prominent figures. While acknowledging that political opportunities could arise later, he stressed that no decision or announcement had been taken.
His clarification follows widespread reports across traditional and social media suggesting that he was positioning himself for the presidency ahead of the next general election.
The reports triggered reactions among supporters and political analysts, many of whom interpreted his remarks as an indication of ambition.
Providing further explanation, Baba-Ahmed 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.”
He added that any formal declaration would be subject to 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.
Baba-Ahmed also faulted the spread of misinformation on social media, urging mainstream media organisations to play a more responsible role in shaping public understanding.
“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.
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