I Advise Tinubu Privately, Not on TV — Fashola
Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said he will not use the media to advise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that sensitive discussions are better held privately.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News, Fashola revealed that President Tinubu regularly consults him on governance issues, including areas requiring improvement as the administration prepares for the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the President has direct access to him, making public criticism unnecessary.
Fashola explained that whenever Tinubu seeks his opinion, he responds through private conversations rather than television appearances.
“I have direct access to the President and have shared my thoughts with him on several issues. It is more productive to keep that communication line open than to offer advice through the media,” he said.
The former minister dismissed suggestions that the Tinubu administration has “blind spots,” maintaining that constructive engagement behind closed doors is more effective than public commentary.
“You don’t shout at someone whose attention you already have,” he added.
On speculation that he might one day seek Nigeria’s highest political office, Fashola ruled out any presidential ambition.
Asked whether he would contest for the presidency, he replied with a smile, “No. President of what? I’m already president at home.”
Reflecting on his years in public service, Fashola described his political journey as a rare privilege, expressing hope that it would inspire younger Nigerians to serve the country with dedication.
He also declined to revisit the long-standing debate over whom he supported to succeed him as Lagos State governor in 2015, saying he had no interest in reopening old political discussions.
Fashola confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), but stressed that offering guidance should never be mistaken for interfering in the affairs of government.
“There is a clear difference between giving advice and interfering,” he stated.
