Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has dismissed reports suggesting he recently declared his intention to run for the presidency.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed said his comments had been misinterpreted and clarified that no such declaration was made.
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said.
He explained that his recent remarks were limited to reaffirming his membership in the Labour Party amid ongoing discussions about the party’s future and its leadership. While he acknowledged that political possibilities may arise in the future, he stressed that 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 said.
Baba-Ahmed noted that any potential presidential declaration would follow the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the party’s internal processes.
“One will have to wait for the INEC timetable and for the party to call for people to indicate their interest. I did not declare,” he said.
He also criticised the role of social media in spreading misinformation, urging professional media organisations to prioritise accuracy.
“It is unfortunate that social media can be so sensational, putting out wrong narratives to emotional audiences. I believe formal media should serve as filters so that the public receives correct information,” Baba-Ahmed said.
