The former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed reports claiming that he recently declared his intention to contest the presidency.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed said his comments had been misinterpreted, stressing that he did not make any declaration to run for the presidency.
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said.
According to him, his recent public remarks were limited to reaffirming his continued membership of the Labour Party amid ongoing discussions about the party’s future and its key figures. He acknowledged that while political possibilities may exist in the future, no decision or announcement has been made.
Baba-Ahmed explained that the speculation followed media and social media reports which interpreted his comments as a signal of presidential ambition ahead of the next general election.
“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,” he said. “I reiterated my membership of the Labour Party, and that is all.”
READ ALSO: 2027: Obi’s Ex-Running Mate Baba-Ahmed Announces Presidential Bid
He added that any declaration of interest would be guided by the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the internal processes of the party.
“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 said.
He also criticised the role of social media in spreading misinformation and urged professional media organisations to ensure accurate reporting, describing them as critical filters for providing the public with correct information.