Former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has firmly dismissed reports claiming that he recently declared his intention to contest the presidency, describing such narratives as inaccurate, speculative, and a misrepresentation of his remarks.
Baba-Ahmed addressed the issue on Friday during an interview on Channels Television, where he responded to the growing public conversation and political speculation surrounding his future within the Labour Party and the wider national political space.
Speaking plainly, the Labour Party stalwart stated that at no point did he announce or signal a presidential ambition, contrary to claims circulating in sections of the media and on social platforms.
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” Baba-Ahmed said, emphasizing that his words had been taken out of context and stretched beyond their intended meaning.
He explained that his recent public statements were limited to reaffirming his continued membership of the Labour Party at a time when internal party discussions, leadership debates, and questions about direction have dominated public discourse.
According to him, the renewed attention around his comments reflects the heightened political sensitivity of the moment rather than any deliberate move on his part to enter the presidential race.
Baba-Ahmed acknowledged that in politics, discussions about future possibilities are inevitable, especially following a major election cycle. However, he stressed that political possibilities should not be confused with formal declarations or personal decisions.
“Conversations about the future do not amount to declarations,” he noted, adding that no decision has been taken and no announcement has been made regarding any presidential bid.
He also urged the media and the public to exercise restraint and accuracy when interpreting political statements, warning that premature conclusions risk misleading Nigerians and fuelling unnecessary political tension.
The clarification comes as the Labour Party continues to attract attention following its performance in the 2023 general elections, where Baba-Ahmed served as running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and emerged as a key figure in the party’s national profile.
Observers note that his comments have sparked renewed interest in the party’s leadership structure and future electoral strategy, even as Baba-Ahmed maintained that his current focus remains on strengthening democratic discourse and supporting the Labour Party rather than pursuing any declared ambition.
He concluded by reiterating that when and if any political decision is made, it would be communicated clearly and responsibly through the appropriate channels.