The former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has firmly dismissed reports claiming that he recently declared his intention to contest the presidency, describing such claims as a misinterpretation of his remarks.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed clarified that he made no declaration of interest in the presidency and stressed that reports suggesting otherwise were inaccurate. According to him, his comments were taken out of context and amplified beyond their original meaning.
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said unequivocally. “What I did was simply say that I remain in the Labour Party.”
Baba-Ahmed explained that his recent public statements were made against the backdrop of ongoing political discussions about the future of the Labour Party and the roles its prominent members may play. He noted that his remarks were intended solely to reaffirm his continued membership and loyalty to the party, not to signal a presidential bid.
While acknowledging that political possibilities could arise in the future, he emphasised that no decision or announcement has been made at this time. “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,” he added.
The clarification follows widespread media and social media reports suggesting that Baba-Ahmed was positioning himself for a presidential run ahead of the next general election. These reports sparked intense debate among Labour Party supporters and political observers, with some interpreting his comments as an early indication of ambition.
Baba-Ahmed, however, maintained that any formal declaration would have to follow due process. He said such a move would depend on the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Labour Party’s internal procedures.
“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, warning that sensational reporting can mislead the public and distort political discourse. Baba-Ahmed urged professional media organisations to act responsibly by verifying information before publication.
“Unfortunately, social media can be so sensational, putting out wrong narratives to emotional listeners,” he said. “I believe formal media like yours should serve as filters and barriers so that the general public can always consume the correct information.”
Baba-Ahmed’s comments come amid growing speculation about alignments and ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections, as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve.
