Labour Party leader dismisses viral social media reports
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) Vice-Presidential candidate, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, has formally dismissed widespread reports claiming he has declared his intention to run for the presidency in 2027.
Speaking on Friday, January 9, 2026, during an interview on Channels Television’s program, ‘The Morning Brief’, Baba-Ahmed clarified that his recent statements were taken out of context. He explained that he merely reaffirmed his loyalty and continued membership of the Labour Party amidst recent waves of high-profile defections to other platforms.
“I never declared to contest the presidency, even though there could be a possibility of that happening,” the Senator stated. He emphasized that any formal move toward a presidential bid must follow the official guidelines and timetables set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Baba-Ahmed noted that at this stage, discussing the 2027 race is premature, as the party has not yet called for expressions of interest from potential candidates.
The politician blamed the spread of the misinformation on social media sensationalism, accusing certain individuals of distorting his words to generate emotional reactions. He urged the public to be wary of speculative reports and to rely only on verified statements from himself or his official media team. According to him, his current focus remains on strengthening the internal structures of the Labour Party rather than chasing personal electoral ambitions.
Focus remains on party loyalty and electoral processes
Datti Baba-Ahmed’s clarification comes at a time of significant upheaval within the opposition, following the exit of several key leaders to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). By reiterating his membership of the Labour Party, the Senator sought to reassure supporters that the party’s core leadership remains intact. He argued that the “Obidient” movement is built on principles that transcend individual candidacies and that the integrity of the process is what matters most.
The LP chieftain also highlighted that the party is currently navigating various legal and administrative challenges, which must be resolved before the next election cycle begins in earnest. He maintained that the Labour Party is still the most viable vehicle for delivering a “New Nigeria,” despite the recent setbacks. For Baba-Ahmed, the priority is ensuring that the party is well-positioned to offer a credible alternative to the ruling APC when the time is right.
While he did not completely rule out a future run for the highest office in the land, he insisted that such a decision would be made in consultation with party stakeholders and the “Obidient” base. He described himself as a disciplined party man who understands the importance of timing and institutional procedures. This stance has been seen as an attempt to calm the political waters and prevent unnecessary friction within the opposition camp.
Addressing the impact of misinformation in politics
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of social media in shaping political narratives in Nigeria. Baba-Ahmed lamented that “misleading narratives” are often crafted to excite the public without any factual basis. He noted that such tactics only serve to distract from the pressing economic and security issues facing the country. The Senator called for a more responsible approach to political reportage and digital communication.
He further advised his supporters to focus on the work of “organizing” rather than being swayed by unverified headlines. The Labour Party has reportedly increased its media surveillance to quickly debunk false claims that could harm the party’s image or create confusion among the electorate. The Senator’s prompt response to the viral rumor is viewed as a strategic move to maintain his credibility as a principled leader.
As the political landscape continues to evolve ahead of 2027, Datti Baba-Ahmed remains a central figure in the opposition’s strategy. His refusal to jump into the presidential fray prematurely suggests a calculated approach to his political future. For now, the Senator continues to advocate for adherence to democratic norms and the strengthening of opposition unity to provide a check on the current administration.
