Fashola rules out presidency speculation, saying he feels satisfied with his life after more than two decades in public service.
The former Lagos State governor and ex-Minister of Works dismissed suggestions that he could seek Nigeria’s highest political office.
Fashola made his position clear during an interview on TVC on Wednesday.
When the interviewer asked whether he would contest for president, he replied, “No.”
The interviewer then asked whether he was considering the position. Fashola smiled and responded, “President of what? I’m president at home.”
Why Fashola rules out presidency
Fashola said he viewed his years in government as an extraordinary privilege rather than a path towards another political office.
He served as Lagos State governor from 2007 to 2015. He later served as a federal minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Reflecting on his public service career, Fashola said he hoped 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 added that Nigeria had produced many stories of people who rose from humble backgrounds to prominent positions.
According to him, such stories should remind young people that they can still achieve their ambitions within the country.
“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,” he said.
Fashola leaves legacy to history
The former governor also refused to define how Nigerians should remember him.
He said history should judge his leadership and public service without his influence.
“Let history write whatever history wants to write. It is not in my place,” Fashola said.
He also declined to revisit discussions about his preferred successor before the 2015 Lagos governorship election.
The former minister avoided commenting on speculation involving then-Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat and former Lagos Attorney-General Olasupo Sasore.
Fashola confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council.
However, he stressed the need for former leaders to avoid interfering unnecessarily in the work of serving officials.
According to him, there is “a thin line between intervention and interference.”
Fashola speaks on judiciary and opposition
Fashola also addressed several national issues during the interview.
He called for stronger public confidence in the judiciary and urged Nigerians to respect the role of the courts.
The former governor also backed a vibrant political opposition, saying it remained important for Nigeria’s democratic development.
He argued that the country needed greater agreement on major policies that affect national progress.
Fashola also supported the establishment of state police as part of efforts to improve security.
However, he warned that state police would not provide an immediate solution to every security challenge.
On flooding in Lagos, Fashola said the state’s coastal location contributed to the problem.
He also blamed indiscriminate waste disposal for blocking drainage channels and worsening floods.
Despite continuing speculation about his political future, Fashola rules out presidency plans and appears focused on life outside elective office.
