Former Lagos State Governor and immediate past Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has dismissed speculation about a possible presidential ambition, declaring that he has no interest in contesting for Nigeria’s highest political office.
Speaking during an interview on TVC on Wednesday, the former minister gave a straightforward response when asked whether he planned to run for president.
“No,” Fashola replied.
When the interviewer sought further clarification on whether he was considering the presidency, he responded humorously: “President of what? I’m president at home.”
Public Service Was a Privilege
Reflecting on his more than two decades in public service, Fashola described his political journey as an extraordinary privilege, saying he hopes his experience will inspire younger Nigerians to believe in the country’s opportunities.
“My journey has been an unimaginable privilege, and I hope that it, in some way, inspires another generation about the possibilities of this country,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria has produced countless success stories of individuals who rose from humble beginnings to positions of national prominence, stressing that such achievements should encourage the next generation to pursue their aspirations.
‘Let History Judge Me’
On how he hopes history will remember him, the former Lagos governor said he would leave that decision to future generations rather than attempt to shape public perception.
“Let history write whatever history wants to write. It is not in my place,” he said.
Fashola also declined to revisit political discussions surrounding the 2015 Lagos governorship succession, refusing to comment on longstanding speculation over whether he preferred the current Deputy Governor of Lagos State and APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Kadri Hamzat, or former Lagos Attorney-General, Olasupo Sasore.
Governance, Judiciary and Opposition
The former minister confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), but stressed that there is a clear distinction between providing counsel and interfering with government affairs.
“There is a thin line between intervention and interference,” he said.
Speaking on governance, Fashola emphasized the importance of safeguarding public confidence in the judiciary, warning that persistent attacks on the courts could weaken democratic institutions.
He also argued that democracy thrives when there is a strong and constructive opposition, noting that political disagreements should strengthen governance rather than undermine it.
Calls for National Consensus
Fashola urged Nigerians to build consensus on key national issues, including taxation, foreign policy and legislative oversight, while encouraging professionals and young people to play a more active role in shaping public policy.
Addressing Lagos State’s recurring flooding challenges, he said the city’s coastal location makes flooding unavoidable but manageable, adding that indiscriminate waste disposal by residents continues to worsen the situation.
According to him, tackling the problem requires sustained cooperation between government authorities and citizens.
Backing Reforms and State Police
Commenting on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Fashola said the President remains fundamentally the same person despite the increased demands of leading the country.
He acknowledged ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms, including tax-related measures, and reiterated his support for the establishment of state police. However, he cautioned that decentralizing policing would not provide an immediate solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Summing up his years in public office, Fashola said the greatest honour of his career was the opportunity to serve Nigerians rather than the positions he occupied.
“My journey has been an unimaginable privilege, and I hope it inspires another generation about the possibilities of this country,” he said.
