Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has dismissed speculation about a possible 2027 presidential bid, declaring that he has no intention of seeking Nigeria’s highest political office.

Speaking during an interview on TVC on Wednesday, Fashola gave a straightforward response when asked whether he would contest the presidency.

“No,” he said.

When the interviewer sought further clarification, asking if he was considering running for President of Nigeria, the former governor jokingly replied, “President of what? I’m president at home.”

The senior lawyer said he considers his years in public service a rare privilege rather than a stepping stone 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.

Fashola noted that Nigeria is filled with stories of individuals who have risen from modest backgrounds to positions of national prominence, adding that he hopes his own experience encourages young Nigerians to believe in the country’s potential.

“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 time in office, Fashola said he would leave that decision to future generations.

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

The former Lagos governor also declined to revisit discussions surrounding the choice of his preferred successor ahead of the state’s 2015 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, explaining that offering advice to government should not be mistaken for interfering in its affairs.

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

On Nigeria’s democratic institutions, the former minister stressed the importance of protecting the judiciary from constant attacks, warning that public confidence in the courts must not be eroded.

He also said democracy functions best when there is a strong and constructive opposition capable of scrutinising government policies and enriching national debate.

Fashola further called for broad national agreement on issues such as tax reforms, foreign policy and legislative oversight, urging professionals and young Nigerians to play a greater role in public policymaking.

Speaking on the perennial flooding in Lagos, he attributed the challenge to the state’s coastal location but said the impact is worsened by indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels.

He maintained that lasting solutions would require collaboration between the government and residents.

Commenting on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Fashola said the President remains the same person he has always known but now shoulders far greater national responsibilities.

He also backed the creation of state police while cautioning that it should not be seen as a quick fix to Nigeria’s security problems.

Fashola concluded that the greatest reward of his career has been the opportunity to serve the public, insisting he has no desire to seek another elective office. (The Sun)

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