‘I’m president at home’ – Fashola rules out presidential ambition
Former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola Dismisses Presidential Aspirations
Babatunde Fashola, the former Governor of Lagos State and ex-Minister of Works, stated he has no intention of running for the presidency. In an interview with Television Continental (TVC) on Wednesday, Fashola expressed satisfaction with his current life and clarified that he is not considering Nigeria’s highest political office.
When asked directly about a potential presidential bid, he responded succinctly, “No.” Further pressed for clarification, he smiled and remarked, “President of what? I’m president at home.”
Fashola reflected on his more than two decades in public service, describing his career as an “extraordinary privilege.” He expressed hope that his journey would inspire younger Nigerians. “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 emphasized Nigeria’s potential as a land where individuals can rise from modest beginnings to significant positions of influence. “Our country is also a place where there are so many stories of rags to riches and grass to grace. I hope it inspires another generation,” Fashola added.
Regarding his legacy, Fashola refrained from making any assertions, stating, “Let history write whatever history wants to write. It is not in my place.”
Fashola also chose not to engage in discussions about his preferred successor from the 2015 Lagos governorship election, opting not to comment on speculation surrounding Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat and former Attorney-General Olasupo Sasore.
He confirmed his membership in the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council and highlighted the importance of distinguishing between intervention and interference. Fashola called for increased public confidence in the judiciary and a vibrant opposition to strengthen democracy. He advocated for greater national consensus on crucial policy matters and supported the establishment of state police, while cautioning that it would not serve as a swift solution to insecurity. He attributed the recurring flooding in Lagos partly to careless waste disposal, despite the state’s coastal geography.
