The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has requested the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to abandon its broom symbol and adopt a house as a new party symbol.
On Housing TV Africa, HDAN executive director Festus Adebayo argued that the broom, which was such a powerful symbol of the anti-corruption cause, is no longer a symbol that resonates with Nigerians. The country’s pressing housing crisis, he said, makes the house a far more fitting and motivational symbol.
“The broom may have been a good symbol for sweeping away corruption, but Nigerians need roofs over their heads today,” Adebayo said.
He challenged the APC to demonstrate genuine commitment towards development by making shelter delivery one of the main pillars of its agenda. In his opinion, millions of poor Nigerians lack quality housing, either living in slums or being unable to pay rising rents.
Adebayo emphasized that not only a social visit, but an economic necessity, is building affordable housing. “Every house built creates employment and adds to GDP,” he said, asking leaders to set measurable housing targets and work with private builders to meet Nigeria’s estimated 28 million housing deficit.
He also argued that the broom could be replaced with a house symbol, thus reminding party leaders at all times that shelter is a human right and a source of national progress.
His remark has sparked intense controversy among housing campaigners, with many hailing the idea as ambitious and symptomatic of the nation’s growing demand for cheap accommodation.
