I’m not interested in presidency, says Fashola

Babatunde Fashola, former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works, has firmly dismissed any aspirations for the Nigerian presidency. In a TVC interview, Fashola stated he is content with his "president at home" role and prefers to let history evaluate his public service career.

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Reflecting on over two decades in public life, Fashola described his journey as an "unimaginable privilege." He expressed hope that his experiences would inspire younger Nigerians, highlighting the country's own "rags to riches" and "grass to grace" narratives. "I hope that it inspires another generation," he said.

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President of what? I’m president at home.

When pressed about potential successors for the 2015 Lagos governorship election, Fashola declined to comment on speculations surrounding Kadri Hamzat or Olasupo Sasore. He clarified his current role as a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, distinguishing between offering advice and interfering in government.

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My journey has been an unimaginable privilege, and I hope that it, in some way, inspires another generation about the possibilities of this country.

Fashola also emphasized the importance of public confidence in the judiciary, warning that attacks on courts could weaken democratic institutions. He underscored the necessity of a strong opposition and national consensus on key issues like taxation and foreign policy, urging greater professional and youth participation in shaping public policy. He noted that while Lagos' coastal geography makes flooding inevitable, it remains manageable.

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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.