LABOUR Party vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has denied claims that he has declared his intention to run for president in 2027, describing such reports as misleading and driven by social media sensationalism.
Speaking to newsmen today, Datti clarified that his recent comments were wrongly interpreted. He said he merely reaffirmed his membership of the Labour Party and did not announce any presidential ambition.
“I never declared to contest the presidency, even though there could be a possibility in the future. I certainly did not make such a declaration,” he said.
“I only reiterated that I am still a member of the Labour Party. Any decision about contesting must wait for INEC’s timetable and for the party to formally call for expressions of interest.”
Datti blamed the controversy on what he described as exaggerated narratives pushed on social media, saying they were targeted at emotionally driven audiences rather than grounded in facts.
His remarks come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of 2027, including the recent move by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Despite this development, Datti said his relationship with Obi remains unchanged.
He maintained that the Labour Party is still strong enough to contest for the presidency and added that Obi would be welcomed back if he fails to secure the ADC presidential ticket.
Datti also questioned whether Obi had formally defected to the ADC, noting that he had not seen any resignation letter or confirmation of such a move.
According to Datti, clarity and due process remain essential as political parties prepare for the next general election cycle.