Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, a Nigerian economist, political figure, and the former Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party during Nigeria’s 2023 general election, has firmly denied claims that he recently declared his intention to contest the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Baba-Ahmed made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television, a Lagos-based Nigerian news broadcaster with nationwide reach, following widespread reports suggesting that he had announced plans to run for the country’s highest political office.
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” Baba-Ahmed said, stressing that the reports circulating across media platforms did not accurately reflect his remarks.
Okay News reports that the former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate explained that his recent public statements were solely focused on reaffirming his continued membership in the Labour Party, one of Nigeria’s major opposition political parties, amid increasing political conversations about the party’s future and the roles of its prominent figures.
According to him, while political possibilities may exist at some point in the future, he has neither made a decision nor issued any declaration regarding a presidential ambition at this time.
The clarification follows intense media attention and social media discussions that interpreted his remarks as a signal of interest in contesting the next Nigerian presidential election, which is expected to take place in 2027. These interpretations sparked debate among political supporters, analysts, and observers nationwide.
Providing further explanation, Baba-Ahmed stated, “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 also emphasized that any formal declaration of interest would depend on the timetable issued by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, the constitutional body responsible for organizing elections, as well as the internal processes of the Labour Party.
“The submission I made was that one will have to wait for the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and for the party to make the call for people to indicate their interest. I did not declare,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed further criticized the role of social media in amplifying misinformation and urged established media organizations to uphold professional standards of accuracy and verification.
“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 added.
