January 9, 2026 l Reporter: Johnson
ABUJA, Nigeria — Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), on Friday dismissed widespread reports claiming he had declared his intention to run for Nigeria’s presidency, saying his recent comments were misinterpreted and sensationalised on social media and by some news outlets.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Baba-Ahmed reiterated that at no point did he formally declare a presidential bid. Instead, he said he simply reaffirmed his continued membership of the Labour Party amid ongoing political discussions as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general election.
“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago, even though there could be a possibility of that happening; I simply reiterated my membership of the Labour Party,” Baba-Ahmed told the programme, underscoring that his remarks were limited to expressing loyalty to his party and not an announcement of presidential ambition.
He criticised the role of social media in spreading misleading narratives, urging both online platforms and mainstream media organisations to exercise care and verify information before publication. Baba-Ahmed argued that such distortions can mislead the public and create unnecessary political noise.
The senator also noted that any decision to contest future elections, including 2027, would be guided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable and the internal processes of the Labour Party, and that such formal steps have not yet been initiated. He said that there is still “a process” to be followed, including party calls for expressions of interest, before any candidacy could be formally declared.
Baba-Ahmed’s clarification comes amid broader political speculation about opposition leadership dynamics and succession plans within the Labour Party following the 2023 general election, in which he served as the party’s vice-presidential candidate. Political watchers say his attempt to set the record straight reflects a desire to manage expectations and focus on internal party cohesion.