Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has ruled out any plan to contest the Nigerian presidency, saying he is content with his current position and would prefer to leave his legacy for history to judge.
Fashola stated this during an interview on TVC on Wednesday, where he responded with a firm “No” when asked if he intended to run for president. When the question was repeated, he jokingly replied, “President of what? I’m president at home”.
The former minister described his more than two decades in public service as an extraordinary privilege and expressed hope that his experience would inspire younger Nigerians to believe in the opportunities available in the country.
“My journey has been an unimaginable privilege, and I hope that it, in some way, inspires another generation about the possibilities of this country. 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 said.
Fashola also said he would not attempt to influence how history remembers his time in public office, insisting that history should be allowed to make its own assessment.
He declined to revisit speculation about his preferred successor ahead of the 2015 Lagos State governorship election.
The former governor also confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, stressing the difference between providing advice and interfering in the affairs of government.
Fashola called for greater public confidence in the judiciary, warning that persistent attacks on the courts could weaken democratic institutions.
He also stressed the importance of a strong opposition in a democracy and urged Nigerians to build consensus on key national issues, including taxation, foreign policy and legislative oversight.
On the recurring flooding in Lagos, Fashola attributed the problem partly to the state’s coastal location and indiscriminate waste disposal. He said lasting solutions would require cooperation between the government and residents.
The former minister also expressed support for the fiscal and monetary reforms of the Tinubu administration and reiterated his backing for state police, while cautioning that the measure might not immediately resolve Nigeria’s security challenges.