Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has refuted reports claiming that he has declared his intention to contest the presidency.
Baba-Ahmed made the clarification on Friday during an interview on Channels Television, insisting that his recent comments were misunderstood and misrepresented.
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said.
He explained that his remarks were limited to reaffirming his continued membership of the Labour Party, amid ongoing conversations about the party’s future and leadership direction.
According to him, while political possibilities may arise in the future, no decision or declaration has been made.
His clarification follows widespread media and social media reports suggesting that he was positioning himself for a presidential race ahead of the next general election, a development that sparked debates among supporters and political observers.
Elaborating further, Baba-Ahmed stated, “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 noted that any decision to seek elective office would depend on 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 added.
Baba-Ahmed also faulted the role of social media in spreading misinformation, calling on professional media organisations to uphold accuracy and responsible 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.
