Former Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Datti Baba Ahmed, has denied reports suggesting that he recently declared his intention to contest the presidency, describing such claims as a misrepresentation of his remarks.
Baba Ahmed made the clarification on Friday during an interview on Channels Television, where he insisted that he had not made any formal or informal declaration regarding a presidential ambition.
“I did not declare to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said.
According to him, his recent public comments were limited to affirming his continued membership of the Labour Party amid ongoing political conversations about the party’s future and the role of its leading figures.
He explained that while political possibilities could exist in the future, no decision had been taken and no announcement had been made.
The clarification followed widespread reports across traditional and social media platforms claiming that Baba Ahmed was positioning himself for a presidential run ahead of the next general election. The reports generated reactions among supporters and political observers, many of whom interpreted his remarks as a signal of intent.
Providing further explanation, Baba Ahmed said his statement was misunderstood.
“What I did was simply state that I remain a member of the Labour Party. I never declared to contest the presidency, even though there could be a possibility of that in the future. I certainly did not declare,” he said.
He added that any expression of interest in contesting an election would be guided by the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the internal processes of the party.
Baba Ahmed also criticised the role of social media in spreading misinformation, urging professional media organisations to uphold accuracy and responsible reporting.
