‘I’m president at home’ – Fashola rules out presidential bid

Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has ruled out contesting for the presidency of Nigeria, declaring that he is satisfied with his achievements in public service.

Fashola gave the blunt response during an interview with TVC News on Wednesday.

Asked whether he would contest for president, the former Minister of Works replied: “No.”

When pressed further about his possible interest in leading Nigeria, Fashola smiled and said: “President of what? I’m president at home.”

Reflecting on more than two decades in government, Fashola described his public service career as 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 noted that Nigeria had produced numerous stories of people rising from humble backgrounds to positions of influence.

Fashola also said he would not attempt to influence how history remembers his tenure as Lagos governor or federal minister.

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

The former governor refused to revisit speculation surrounding his preferred successor ahead of the 2015 Lagos governorship election.

He declined to say whether he supported the current Lagos Deputy Governor and APC’s 2027 governorship candidate, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, or former Lagos Attorney-General Olasupo Shasore.

Fashola confirmed that he remained a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council but said former public officials must avoid interfering with the government.

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

Speaking on national issues, Fashola warned that persistent attacks on the judiciary could erode public confidence in the courts and weaken democratic institutions.

He also called for a vibrant opposition capable of challenging the government constructively and improving governance.

Fashola advocated greater national consensus on taxation, foreign policy and legislative oversight, urging professionals and young Nigerians to participate actively in shaping public policy.

On Lagos flooding, the former governor said the state’s coastal location made flooding inevitable but manageable.

He blamed indiscriminate waste disposal for worsening the problem and called for stronger cooperation between the government and residents.

Fashola also backed the creation of state police but cautioned that it would not provide an instant solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.