Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola said he opted not to seek any political position in 2023 because he believes at his age, politicians should quit for younger elements to blossom.
“We are talking about young people, is it not time for us to leave the space? The former two-term Lagos governor enthused in an interview with Punch. “I came in at 39, I’m going at 60, let some 30-year olds too come and start their journey. It’s time to go.”
Earlier touted as one of the frontrunners for presidency in the 2023, Mr Fashola abstained from joining the potpourri of contestants who jostled for his party, the All Progressives Congress’ ticket in the June 7 primary election.
“I’m going home,” he stressed when asked of his next political move.
“You see, next year, it will be 35 years since I left school, 1988 to 2023. So, if I took a public service career, I will retire next year, because the rule is 35 years of service or 60 years of age, and coincidentally by next year, I’ll be 60 years.”
The APC is sponsoring Bola Tinubu, 70, as its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. Mr Tinubu is Mr Fashola’s predecessor and political benefactor in Lagos.
But Mr Fashola said he cannot answer for his party’s decision to field the septuagenarian for Nigeria’s top job, saying it was Mr Tinubu’s personal decision.
“I’ve answered you about myself and that’s my own decision. The candidate also has his own decision to make that he wants to lead the country in an elected capacity,” Mr Fashola said.
Mr Fashola’s statement echoes that of former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s.
Mr Obasanjo had charged Nigerian youth to take over leadership now and not wait for tomorrow.