Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has revealed why he rarely comments publicly on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying he prefers to offer his advice directly to the President behind closed doors.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News, Fashola explained that President Tinubu regularly consults him on governance issues, including areas where the administration can improve as the country moves closer to the 2027 general election.
According to him, he has deliberately chosen not to advise the President through television interviews or public platforms.
“He calls me today, and he says, ‘Today, identify one area where my administration must improve as we count down to 2027. What would you advise me?’ So, I will speak to the President on TV. I’ve told myself I would not do that,” Fashola said.
The former minister noted that maintaining direct communication with the President is more effective than making public criticisms.
“I have his ears, and when I need to see him, I’ve advised on a few things. I think that we must keep that channel open. It’s not my intention to advise him on television,” he stated.
When asked whether the Tinubu administration had any blind spots after three years in office, Fashola dismissed the suggestion, insisting that his private access to the President made public criticism unnecessary.
“There are no blind spots in this administration. You can’t be shouting at somebody whose ear you have,” he said.
Fashola also put to rest speculation about a possible presidential ambition, making it clear that he has no intention of contesting Nigeria’s highest office.
When asked if he would consider running for president, he simply replied:
“No.”
When pressed further, he jokingly added:
“President of what? I’m president at home.”
Reflecting on his years in public service, Fashola described his over two decades in government as a privilege and expressed hope that his experience would inspire younger Nigerians to contribute to national development.
He also declined to discuss speculation about his preferred successor before the 2015 Lagos governorship election, while confirming that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
However, he stressed that offering advice should never be confused with interfering in government affairs.
“There is a thin line between intervention and interference,” Fashola said.
