I advise Tinubu privately, not on television — Fashola

Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, says he prefers to advise President Bola Tinubu privately rather than publicly criticise his administration.

Fashola made the disclosure during an interview on TVC News on Wednesday when asked why he had largely refrained from commenting publicly on the Tinubu administration’s performance.

According to him, President Tinubu regularly seeks his views on governance and areas that require improvement as the administration looks ahead to the 2027 general elections.

“He calls me today and says, ‘Identify one area where my administration must improve as we count down to 2027. What would you advise me?’ So, will I speak to the President on television? I’ve told myself I would not do that,” Fashola said.

The former minister said maintaining direct communication with the President was more productive than offering advice through the media.

“I have his ears, and when I need to see him, I’ve advised him on a few things. I think we must keep that channel open. It’s not my intention to advise him on television,” he added.

Responding to a question on whether the administration had any blind spots after three years in office, Fashola dismissed the suggestion, saying his 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 ruled out any ambition to contest Nigeria’s presidency, saying he was satisfied with his current role outside elective politics.

Asked if he would run for president, he replied, “No,” before adding with a smile, “President of what? I’m president at home.”

Reflecting on his public service career, Fashola described his over two decades in government as an extraordinary privilege, expressing hope that his journey would inspire younger Nigerians.

He also declined to comment on speculation over whether he backed Obafemi Hamzat or Olasupo Sasore as his preferred successor ahead of the 2015 Lagos governorship election.

While confirming that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Fashola said there is “a thin line between intervention and interference,” stressing that advisory roles should not be mistaken for interference in government affairs.