Former Labour Party (LP) vice presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has cleared the air on reports that he had indicated interest in running for the presidency in 2027.
There were viral reports on Thursday that following the defection of his principal, Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC)., Datti had decided to go for the presidency on the platform of the LP. But while speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Datti dismissed the reports, saying his comments were widely misinterpreted.
Datti, a former senator, emphasized that he never made any formal declaration of interest in the presidency
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said, stressing that his recent public remarks were strictly limited to reaffirming his continued membership in the LP.
Datti however, acknowledged that while political possibilities could arise in the future, no decision or announcement 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,” he explained.
He also emphasised that any declaration of interest would be subject to 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.
He also criticized the role of social media in amplifying misinformation, urging professional media organizations to uphold accuracy and responsibility in political 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.”
 vice presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has cleared the air){kind=link}