Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has ruled out contesting for the presidency, saying he is content with his current role at home and would rather leave the judgement of his public service legacy to history.
Fashola made the remarks during an interview on TVC on Wednesday while responding to questions about whether he was considering joining the 2027 presidential race.
When asked if he would contest for president, the former governor simply replied, “No.”
Pressed further on whether he was interested in becoming President of Nigeria, Fashola responded humorously, “President of what? I’m president at home.”
Reflecting on his more than two decades in public service, the former minister described his career as an “unimaginable privilege” and expressed hope that his journey 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.
Fashola noted that Nigeria was filled with stories of individuals who had risen from humble beginnings to positions of prominence.
“Particularly because when we celebrate dreams across the Atlantic, our country is also a place where there are so many stories of rags to riches and grass to grace. I hope that it inspires another generation,” he added.
On how he wanted to be remembered, the former governor said he would not attempt to influence how history judged his time in public service.
“Let history write whatever history wants to write. It is not in my place,” he said.
Fashola also declined to revisit speculation surrounding his preferred successor ahead of the 2015 Lagos governorship election.
Asked about claims that he had favoured either the current Lagos State Deputy Governor 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 debate.
The former governor confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council but stressed the difference between offering advice and interfering in government affairs.
“There is a thin line between intervention and interference,” he said.
On governance, Fashola called for the protection of public confidence in the judiciary, warning that persistent attacks on the courts could weaken democratic institutions.
He also emphasised the importance of a strong opposition in a democracy, arguing that political disagreements should contribute to better governance rather than undermine the democratic system.
The former minister further called for national consensus on key issues, including taxation, foreign policy and legislative oversight, while urging professionals and young Nigerians to become more involved in public policy and national development.
Addressing Lagos’ recurring flooding challenges, Fashola said the state’s coastal location meant that flooding could not be completely eliminated but could be effectively managed.
He identified indiscriminate waste disposal as one of the factors worsening the problem and stressed the need for collaboration between the government and residents.
Fashola also reflected on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing the President as fundamentally unchanged despite the greater responsibilities that come with occupying the nation’s highest office.
He pointed to the administration’s ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms, including tax reforms, while expressing support for the establishment of state police. However, he cautioned that state police alone would not provide an immediate solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Summing up his public service career, Fashola said the greatest honour was not the positions 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 reiterated.
