- Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has formally dismissed speculation about running for the presidency, stating he is content with his current life and role at home.
- Reflecting on over two decades in high-level public service, Fashola stated he has no intention of shaping how history remembers him, preferring to let public record speak for itself.
- The former minister emphasized the vital importance of protecting judicial integrity, nurturing a constructive political opposition, and building national consensus on taxation and security.
Former Governor of Lagos State and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, has ruled out any intention to contest for the Nigerian presidency.
Eko Hot Blog reports that speaking during an interview, Fashola put a firm end to ongoing political speculation regarding a future presidential bid.
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When directly asked if he harbored ambitions for the nation’s highest office, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria offered a swift denial, lightheartedly adding that he is already “president at home”.
Reflecting on his journey through public office, from serving as Chief of Staff to becoming a two-term Governor of Lagos State and subsequently managing key federal ministries, Fashola characterized his decades in public governance as an extraordinary privilege.
He expressed hope that his background would serve as a testament to what young Nigerians can achieve through dedication, highlighting Nigeria as a country where stories of rising from humble beginnings to national prominence remain entirely possible.
Addressing questions about his historical legacy, the former minister declined to influence public narrative or curate how his tenure should be documented.
He noted that his focus remains on looking forward rather than attempting to manage public perception, stating simply that history will write whatever it chooses.
Fashola similarly declined to revisit past political debates surrounding the choice of his successor ahead of the 2015 Lagos governorship election.
While confirming his continued membership in the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), he stressed the importance of knowing when to offer quiet counsel without encroaching on active governance, noting that a clear boundary exists between offering constructive intervention and unnecessary interference.
Broader governance topics were also addressed during the broadcast, with Fashola issuing a strong caution against persistent public attacks on the judiciary.
He warned that undermining public trust in court institutions poses a serious risk to democratic stability, while asserting that a strong, vibrant opposition is necessary to challenge policies and elevate the standard of governance.
On economic and structural issues, Fashola called for a unified national consensus on taxation, legislative oversight, and foreign policy.
Commenting on the persistent environmental challenges in coastal areas like Lagos, he noted that while flooding is geographically inevitable due to the state’s topography, its severity is exacerbated by improper waste disposal, requiring shared civic responsibility between citizens and state agencies.
Turning to national security, he reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, though he cautioned that decentralization alone is not a silver bullet and must be accompanied by comprehensive institutional reform.
