Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has denied reports claiming that he has declared his intention to contest Nigeria’s presidency.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed said his recent remarks were wrongly interpreted, stressing that he made no declaration of interest for any presidential race.
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he stated.
He explained that his comments were limited to reaffirming his continued membership of the Labour Party, amid speculations about the party’s future and the political direction of its key figures.
“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,” Baba-Ahmed said. “I certainly did not declare for the presidency.”
The clarification follows widespread media and social media reports suggesting that the former vice-presidential candidate was positioning himself for a presidential run ahead of the next general election, a development that sparked debate among supporters and political observers.
Baba-Ahmed maintained that any decision on contesting would be guided by due process, including the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the internal mechanisms 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,” he said.
He also criticised the role of social media in spreading misinformation, urging professional media organisations to uphold accuracy and responsibility.
“It is unfortunate that social media can be so sensational, putting out wrong narratives to emotional listeners,” Baba-Ahmed said. “I believe formal media should serve as filters and barriers so that the public can always consume the correct information.”
