Former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has ruled out contesting for Nigeria’s presidency, saying he is content with his current role at home and would rather allow history to judge his years in public service.
Fashola made the declaration during an interview on TVC on Wednesday when asked if he was considering a presidential bid.
When asked whether he would contest for president, he replied, “No.”
Pressed further on whether he was interested in becoming President of Nigeria, Fashola responded with a smile, “President of what? I’m president at home.”
Reflecting on his more than two decades in public service, the former minister described his journey as an extraordinary privilege and expressed hope that it would 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.
He noted that Nigeria has many stories of people rising from humble beginnings to positions of prominence, adding that such achievements should encourage future generations.
On how he hopes history will remember him, Fashola said he had no intention of influencing public perception.
“Let history write whatever history wants to write. It is not in my place,” he said.
The former Lagos governor also declined to revisit discussions about his preferred successor ahead of the 2015 governorship election.
Asked about long-standing speculation that he 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 comment.
He confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council but stressed that there is a clear distinction between offering advice and interfering in government.
“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 weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He also said a vibrant opposition is essential for democracy, arguing that political disagreements should strengthen governance rather than undermine it.
Fashola called for national consensus on key issues, including taxation, foreign policy and legislative oversight, while urging professionals and young Nigerians to take a more active role in shaping public policy.
On the recurring flooding in Lagos, he said the state’s coastal location makes flooding inevitable but manageable, noting that indiscriminate waste disposal continues to worsen the problem.
He maintained that tackling the challenge requires collaboration between the government and residents.
Commenting on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Fashola said the President remains fundamentally the same person but now carries greater national responsibilities.
He pointed to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms, including tax measures, and reiterated his support for the creation of state police, while cautioning that it would not provide an immediate solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Summing up his public service career, Fashola said the greatest honour was not holding public office but having the opportunity to serve.
“My journey has been an unimaginable privilege, and I hope it inspires another generation about the possibilities of this country,” he said.
