Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has dismissed speculation that he may contest the 2027 presidential election, saying he has no intention of seeking Nigeria’s highest political office.
Fashola made the declaration during an interview on TVC on Wednesday, where he gave a direct response when asked whether he planned to run for president.
“No,” he said.
When asked again if he was considering contesting for the office of President of Nigeria, the former governor replied humorously:
“President of what? I’m president at home.”
Fashola described his years in public service as an extraordinary privilege rather than a pathway to another political office.
“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 is home to many inspiring stories of individuals who rose from humble beginnings to positions of national prominence, expressing hope that his own experience would encourage young Nigerians to believe in the country’s opportunities.
“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.
Asked how he would like history to judge his record in office, Fashola declined to offer any assessment.
“Let history write whatever history wants to write. It is not in my place,” he said.
The former governor also declined to revisit discussions surrounding the choice of his preferred successor ahead of the 2015 Lagos State governorship election.
He refused to comment on speculation linking him with either the current Deputy Governor of Lagos State and APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Kadri Hamzat, or former Attorney-General of Lagos State, Olasupo Sasore.
Fashola, however, confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), stressing that offering advice to government should not be mistaken for interference.
“There is a thin line between intervention and interference,” he said.
On Nigeria’s democratic institutions, the former minister emphasised the need to safeguard the judiciary from persistent attacks, warning that public confidence in the courts must not be undermined.
He also said democracy thrives when there is a vibrant and constructive opposition capable of scrutinising government policies and enriching public discourse.
Fashola further called for broad national consensus on key issues such as tax reforms, foreign policy and legislative oversight, urging professionals and young Nigerians to participate more actively in public policymaking.
Speaking on the recurring flooding in Lagos, he attributed the problem largely to the state’s coastal geography but said indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels had worsened the situation.
He maintained that lasting solutions would require cooperation between government and residents.
Commenting on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Fashola said the President remains the same person he has always known but now carries much greater national responsibilities.
He also expressed support for the establishment of state police, while cautioning that it should not be viewed as an immediate solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Fashola concluded by saying that the greatest reward of his career has been the opportunity to serve the public, insisting that he has no ambition to seek another elective office.
