Fashola Says He Won't Run for President

Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has said he is not planning to run for president. He mentioned he is happy with his current role and prefers to let history judge his time in public service.

In an interview on TVC on Wednesday, Fashola dismissed any ideas that he might enter the presidential race.

When asked if he would run for president, he simply said, "No."

When pressed on whether he was thinking about being President of Nigeria, Fashola smiled and said, "President of what? I’m president at home."

Reflecting on his more than 20 years in public service, the former minister called his journey an extraordinary privilege.

"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 pointed out that Nigeria has many stories of people who rose from humble beginnings to great heights.

"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.

Fashola also shared how he hopes history will remember him. He said he would not try to influence how the public sees him.

"Let history write whatever history wants to write. It is not in my place," he said.

The former Lagos governor chose not to reopen discussions on his preferred successor before the 2015 governorship election.

When reminded of ongoing speculations about whether he supported the current Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kadri Hamzat, or former Attorney-General, Olasupo Sasore, Fashola did not want to engage in that topic.

Fashola confirmed that he is still a member of the Lagos State Governance’s Advisory Council but made it clear that he distinguishes between giving advice and interfering in government.

"There is a thin line between intervention and interference," he said.

On governance, Fashola highlighted the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judiciary. He warned that continuous attacks on the courts could weaken democratic institutions.

He also stated that a strong opposition is needed for democracy to grow. He believes political disagreements should improve governance, not harm it.

The former minister stressed the need for a national agreement on key issues like taxation, foreign policy, and legislative oversight. He encouraged professionals and young Nigerians to get more involved in influencing public policy.

Regarding Lagos’ flooding problems, Fashola noted that the state’s coastal geography makes flooding unavoidable but manageable. He added that improper waste disposal makes the situation worse.

He emphasized that solving the issue needs teamwork between the government and the people.

Fashola also shared his thoughts on President Bola Tinubu’s government. He said the President has not changed much but has more national responsibilities now.

He mentioned ongoing financial and monetary reforms, including tax measures. He also supported the idea of state police but warned it would not solve Nigeria’s security problems overnight.

Wrapping up his public service journey, Fashola said the greatest honor is not holding office but having the chance to serve.

"My journey has been an unimaginable privilege, and I hope it inspires another generation about the possibilities of this country," he said.