Former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has explained why he rarely comments publicly on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying he prefers to offer his advice directly to the President rather than criticise the government on television.
Fashola made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on TVC News, where he was asked why he had largely refrained from publicly assessing Tinubu’s performance since the administration assumed office.
The former governor revealed that President Tinubu regularly seeks his opinion on governance and areas requiring improvement, particularly as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Fashola, the President has maintained an open line of communication with him, making public criticism unnecessary.
“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.
He stressed that his relationship with Tinubu gives him direct access to the President whenever he needs to raise concerns or offer suggestions.
Fashola disclosed that he had already shared his views with Tinubu on several issues affecting governance and believes preserving that private communication channel is more productive than discussing such matters publicly.
“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 added.
Asked whether he believed the administration had developed blind spots after spending about three years in office, Fashola dismissed the suggestion, arguing that direct access to the President eliminates the need for public criticism.
“There are no blind spots in this administration. You can’t be shouting at somebody whose ear you have,” he said.
The television interviewer noted that many Nigerians expected Fashola to become more outspoken after leaving executive office, particularly given his previous reputation for commenting on governance issues.
However, Fashola maintained that his current approach remains deliberate and consistent with his belief that meaningful advice should be offered privately whenever possible.
The former minister also dismissed speculation that he might seek Nigeria’s highest political office in the future.
When asked whether he intended to contest for the presidency, Fashola gave a straightforward response.
“No.”
When the interviewer pressed further, Fashola responded humorously.
“President of what? I’m president at home,” he said with a smile.
Reflecting on his public service career, Fashola described the opportunity to serve Nigeria in different capacities as a privilege he never imagined would come his way.
He said he hoped his journey would inspire younger Nigerians to believe in public service and contribute positively to national development.
Fashola also declined to comment on longstanding political speculation surrounding the succession battle that preceded the 2015 Lagos State governorship election.
He avoided discussing whether he had supported Obafemi Hamzat or Olasupo Sasore as his preferred successor before the emergence of Akinwunmi Ambode.
The former governor confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), where he continues to provide guidance when necessary.
He, however, emphasised that there is a clear distinction between giving advice and interfering in government affairs.
“There is a thin line between intervention and interference,” Fashola said.
