Sowore: “Sometimes, I Get Depressed Driving on Abuja Roads Named After Buhari”

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has once again spoken out against the practice of naming roads and public institutions after former Nigerian leaders, many of whom he believes have contributed to the country’s ongoing struggles.

In an interview with Arise Television, Sowore criticized the glorification of past political figures whose leadership, in his view, left behind a legacy of hardship for ordinary Nigerians. He argued that instead of immortalizing controversial politicians, the country should consider honoring nature—elements that have done more for Nigeria than its political elite.

“Anybody can name anything they want after anybody. I’ve stated before, and I’ll say it here today for Nigeria. If I’m to become the president of this country, most of the places named after these Nigerian leaders will be named after trees and probably rivers in Nigeria,” Sowore said.

He explained his reasoning further: “We have plenty of them because those ones deserve those places to be named after them. At least they’re consistent, and they contribute to our ecological balance more than people who contribute nothing.”

Sharing a personal reflection, he added: “Sometimes, I get depressed when I’m driving on roads in Abuja and I see Buhari Road, Babangida Road or Abacha Barrack.”

Sowore’s comments have sparked renewed debate about national values, remembrance, and what legacies are truly worth honoring in the public space.