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Fashola Rejects Presidential Bid, Says: ‘I’m President at Home’
Ex-Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola says he will not run for president, reflects on his public service career, and calls for stronger institutions in Nigeria.
Former Minister of Works and former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has said he has no intention of contesting for Nigeria’s presidency, dismissing reports suggesting he may seek the country’s top political office.
During an interview on TVC on Wednesday, Fashola gave a firm response when asked whether he would run for president.
“No.”
When the interviewer sought further clarification, he jokingly replied:
“President of what? I’m president at home.”
Fashola described his years in public office as a remarkable privilege, expressing hope that his personal journey would encourage young Nigerians to pursue leadership and public service.
“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 Nigeria continues to offer opportunities for people to rise regardless of their background.
“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.”
On his legacy, the former governor said history—not himself—should determine how he is remembered.
“Let history write whatever history wants to write. It is not in my place.”
Fashola also declined to comment on renewed debates over who he preferred as his successor before the 2015 Lagos governorship election, avoiding speculation involving Kadri Hamzat and Olasupo Sasore.
He confirmed that he remains a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State and stressed that there is “a thin line between intervention and interference.”
The former minister also used the interview to call for increased confidence in the judiciary, support a vibrant opposition as a pillar of democracy, advocate greater consensus on national policies, endorse the establishment of state police while cautioning it is not a quick solution to insecurity, and blame indiscriminate waste disposal for worsening flooding in Lagos.
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