Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has clarified that he has not declared any intention to run for the presidency, dismissing recent media reports suggesting otherwise.

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed explained that his recent public statements had been misinterpreted. “I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said, emphasizing that his comments were solely about reaffirming his membership in the Labour Party amid ongoing discussions about the party’s future.

He acknowledged that while the idea of contesting could be a possibility in the future, no formal announcement or decision has been made at this time. “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,” Baba-Ahmed clarified.

He further noted that any presidential ambitions would follow the official processes, including waiting for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable and the party’s call for aspirants to indicate interest. “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 criticized the role of social media in spreading misinformation, urging professional media outlets to act as reliable filters. “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 stated.

This clarification comes amid widespread speculation across media and social platforms, where many interpreted his reaffirmation of party membership as a signal of potential presidential ambitions ahead of the next general election.