The former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed reports widely circulated in the media that he will be contesting for the presidency in 2027 under the LP.
Mr Baba-Ahmed, who was running-mate to Peter Obi, made the clarification during a programmme on Channels Television on Friday.
The former presidential candidate while speaking on Channels clarified that his comments which gave rise to the reports were taken out of context, stressing that no such declaration was made.
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said.
According to him, his recent public remarks were limited to reaffirming his membership of the Labour Party, amid growing political discussions about the future direction of the party and its key figures. He acknowledged that while political possibilities may exist in the future, no announcement or decision has been made at this time.
The clarification comes after widespread media and social media reports claimed that Baba-Ahmed was positioning himself for a presidential run ahead of the next general election. The reports sparked debate among supporters and political observers, many of whom viewed his comments as a signal of ambition.
Explaining further, Baba-Ahmed said, “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 added that any declaration of interest would depend on the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party’s internal processes.
“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.
Baba-Ahmed also criticised the role of social media in amplifying misinformation, urging professional media organisations to ensure accuracy.
“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.
