Former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has ruled out any ambition to contest Nigeria’s presidency, saying he has no desire to seek the nation’s highest political office.
Speaking during an interview on TVC on Wednesday, Fashola dismissed speculation that he could join the race for the presidency.
When asked directly if he intended to contest for president, the former minister responded with a simple, “No.”
Pressed further on whether he was considering a presidential bid, Fashola replied humorously, saying, “President of what? I’m president at home.”
Reflecting on his more than 20 years in public service, Fashola described his political journey as an extraordinary privilege and expressed hope that it would motivate younger Nigerians to believe in the opportunities available in the country.
He said Nigeria remains a nation where individuals can rise from modest beginnings to positions of influence through dedication and hard work.
“My journey has been an unimaginable privilege, and I hope it inspires another generation about the possibilities that exist in this country,” he said.
According to him, the country is filled with stories of people who have risen from poverty to success, and those examples should encourage the younger generation to pursue their dreams.
On how he would like history to remember him, Fashola declined to define his legacy, insisting that history should be left to make its own judgment.
“Let history write whatever history wants to write. It is not in my place,” he stated.
The former Lagos governor also avoided reopening discussions about who he preferred as his successor ahead of the 2015 Lagos governorship election, declining to comment on claims involving Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat and former Attorney-General Olasupo Sasore.
Fashola confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), noting that there is a delicate balance between offering guidance and interfering in governance.
He further stressed the need to strengthen public confidence in the judiciary, called for a vibrant opposition to deepen Nigeria’s democracy, and advocated the creation of state police, while cautioning that it would not be an immediate solution to the country’s security challenges.
On the issue of flooding in Lagos, Fashola attributed the recurring problem not only to the state’s coastal location but also to indiscriminate waste disposal, urging residents to adopt more responsible environmental practices.
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