Former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed reports suggesting that he recently declared his intention to contest the presidency, describing such claims as a misinterpretation of his remarks.

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed clarified that he made no such declaration, stressing 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.
According to him, his recent public statements were made in the context of ongoing discussions about the future of the Labour Party and its leading figures, noting that while political possibilities may exist, no decision or announcement has been taken.

The clarification follows widespread media and social media reports suggesting that Baba-Ahmed was positioning himself for a presidential run ahead of the next general election, a development that sparked debate among party supporters and political observers.

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 formal declaration of interest would be guided by the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the internal processes of the Labour Party.

“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 uphold accuracy and responsible reporting.

“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.