Former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has dismissed speculations that he could contest Nigeria’s presidency, declaring that he has no ambition for the country’s highest office.

Fashola made the remarks during an interview on TVC on Wednesday, where he emphatically ruled out joining any future presidential race.

Asked whether he intended to contest for president, the former minister responded with a terse, “No.’’

When the interviewer pressed further on whether he had any interest in becoming President of Nigeria, Fashola replied with a smile, “President of what? I’m president at home.”

The former Lagos governor said his more than two decades in public service had been an extraordinary privilege, expressing hope that his career would inspire younger Nigerians to believe in the country’s opportunities.

“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.

According to him, Nigeria has produced numerous success stories of individuals who rose from humble beginnings to positions of influence, insisting that such examples should encourage the younger generation.

Speaking on how he would like history to judge his stewardship, Fashola declined to shape any narrative about his legacy.

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

He also refused to revisit debates surrounding the succession to his administration in Lagos ahead of the 2015 governorship election, declining to comment on long-standing claims about whether he preferred the current Deputy Governor of Lagos State and APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Kadri Hamzat, or former Lagos Attorney-General, Olasupo Sasore.

Fashola confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council but stressed that providing counsel should not be mistaken for interfering in government affairs.

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

On national issues, the former minister called for greater public confidence in the judiciary, warning that persistent attacks on the courts could erode democratic institutions.

He also underscored the importance of a strong opposition in strengthening democracy, arguing that political disagreements should improve governance rather than weaken the political system.

Fashola further advocated broad national consensus on key issues, including taxation, foreign policy and legislative oversight, while urging professionals and young Nigerians to play more active roles in public policy discussions.

Addressing Lagos State’s recurring flooding, he attributed the challenge partly to the state’s coastal location but maintained that indiscriminate waste disposal by residents had significantly worsened the problem.

He said tackling flooding required a collective effort between government and citizens.

Commenting on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Fashola described the President as essentially the same leader he had always known, but now carrying greater national responsibilities.

He also expressed support for ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms, including tax measures, and reiterated his backing for the establishment of state police, while cautioning that the initiative would not immediately resolve Nigeria’s security challenges.