The former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed reports claiming that he recently declared his intention to contest the presidency, describing such narratives as a misinterpretation of his remarks.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed clarified that he made no declaration of presidential ambition, insisting that his comments were taken out of context.
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said.
According to him, his recent public statements were limited to reaffirming his membership of the Labour Party, amid ongoing political discussions about the future of the party and its prominent figures. While acknowledging that political possibilities may exist in the future, he stressed that no decision or announcement has been made.
The clarification follows widespread reports across traditional and social media suggesting that Baba-Ahmed was positioning himself for a presidential run ahead of the next general election. The reports triggered debates among supporters and political observers, with many interpreting his comments as a signal of ambition.
Explaining further, Baba-Ahmed said his remarks were straightforward and had been misconstrued.
“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 said.
He added that any formal declaration of interest would be guided by the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the internal processes of the Labour 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,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
He also criticised the role of social media in spreading misinformation, urging professional media organisations to uphold accuracy and responsibility in their reporting.
“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.
Baba-Ahmed’s comments appear aimed at dousing speculations about his political future, while reaffirming his loyalty to the Labour Party and calling for restraint until official electoral processes begin.