Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has dismissed speculation linking him with a future presidential bid, saying he has no interest in contesting for Nigeria’s highest political office.
Speaking during an interview on TVC on Wednesday, Fashola gave a firm response when asked whether he planned to run for president.
“No,” he replied.
When pressed further on whether he was considering seeking the presidency, the former minister responded jokingly, saying, “President of what? I’m president at home.”
Fashola used the opportunity to reflect on his more than 20 years in public service, describing the experience as an extraordinary privilege that he hopes will inspire younger Nigerians.
“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.
According to him, Nigeria remains a country where many people have risen from humble beginnings to positions of prominence, adding that such stories should encourage the younger generation to pursue their dreams.
On how he would like history to judge his legacy, Fashola said he had no intention of influencing public opinion.
“Let history write whatever history wants to write. It is not in my place,” he said.
The former Lagos governor also declined to revisit debates over his preferred successor ahead of the 2015 governorship election.
Asked about reports suggesting he had favoured either the current Deputy Governor of Lagos State and APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Kadri Hamzat, or former Lagos State Attorney-General, Olasupo Sasore, Fashola refused to be drawn into the discussion.
He confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council but stressed that there is a clear distinction between giving advice and interfering in government affairs.
“There is a thin line between intervention and interference,” he said.
Speaking on governance, Fashola emphasised the need to protect public confidence in the judiciary, warning that persistent attacks on the courts could erode democratic institutions.
He also said a strong opposition is essential for democracy to thrive, noting that political disagreements should strengthen governance rather than weaken it.
The former minister called for national consensus on critical issues such as taxation, foreign policy and legislative oversight, while urging professionals and young Nigerians to become more actively involved in public policy.
Commenting on Lagos State’s recurring flooding, Fashola attributed the challenge partly to the state’s coastal location but said indiscriminate waste disposal by residents continued to worsen the situation. He maintained that tackling the problem requires cooperation between government and citizens.
On President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Fashola said the President remains fundamentally the same person but is now faced with greater national responsibilities. He also backed the creation of state police, although he cautioned that it would not provide an immediate solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Summing up his career, Fashola said the greatest reward was not the offices he occupied but the opportunity to serve the country.
“My journey has been an unimaginable privilege, and I hope it inspires another generation about the possibilities of this country,” he said.
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