Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed reports suggesting that he has declared his intention to contest the presidency, saying his recent remarks were widely misinterpreted.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed clarified that he made no such declaration, insisting that his comments were limited to reaffirming his continued membership of the Labour Party. “I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said, adding that while political possibilities may exist in the future, no decision or announcement has been made.
He explained that the speculation followed media and social media reports that portrayed his remarks 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,” Baba-Ahmed said, noting that any declaration would depend on the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and internal party processes.
He also criticised the spread of misinformation on social media, urging professional media organisations to ensure accuracy, saying, “It is unfortunate that social media can be so sensational, putting out wrong narratives to emotional listeners.”