Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has refuted reports claiming that he recently announced plans to contest the presidency.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed said his comments had been misconstrued, stressing that he never made such a declaration.
“I did not declare to contest the presidency two days ago,” he stated.
He explained that his recent remarks were simply a reaffirmation of his continued membership of the Labour Party, amid ongoing political conversations about the party’s future and its leading figures. While acknowledging that political possibilities could arise in the future, he maintained 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 bid ahead of the next general election, sparking debate among supporters and political analysts.
Clarifying further, he said, “All I did two days ago was to state clearly that I remain in the Labour Party. I never declared my intention to run for president, even though such a possibility may exist. I only reaffirmed my membership of the party.”
Baba-Ahmed added that any formal declaration would depend on the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Labour Party’s internal procedures.
“One has to wait for the INEC timetable and for the party to invite interested individuals to indicate their interest. I did not make any declaration,” he said.
He also criticised the role of social media in spreading misinformation, urging professional media organisations to uphold accuracy and act as safeguards against false narratives.
“It is unfortunate how sensational social media can be, often spreading incorrect information to emotional audiences. Established media organisations should serve as filters to ensure the public receives accurate and reliable information,” he added.