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Throughout his two-term presidency, Muhammadu Buhari delivered numerous speeches and interviews that shaped public discourse.
Some of his statements inspired hope, others sparked outrage, and many were turned into memes or protest slogans.
Here are 10 quotes that defined Buhari’s time in office — each followed by its context and how Nigerians, especially on social media, reacted.
1. “I belong to everybody, and I belong to nobody.”
Context:
In his inaugural address on May 29, 2015, Buhari offered this line to reassure Nigerians of his neutrality and commitment to serving the entire nation without favouritism.
Public Reaction:
What started as a powerful declaration of statesmanship quickly became a subject of scepticism as Buhari’s appointments and perceived regional bias drew criticism. Nigerians on Twitter weighed in:
“Lol. Buhari belongs to Daura, not Nigeria.” — @ZainabWrites
“Appointments say otherwise. Northerners everywhere.” — @NaijaActivist
“This was the peak of hope. Now it just sounds like a joke.” — @SirTomi
“Talk is cheap. Action shows who you really belong to.” — @OdogwuVoice
2. “If we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.
Context:
This phrase became Buhari’s signature mantra in his anti-corruption campaign. It underscored his administration’s stated focus on ridding Nigeria of endemic graft.
Public Reaction:
While the slogan struck a chord with many Nigerians weary of decades of misrule, the reality of selective prosecution dampened enthusiasm:
“True talk, but selective corruption fight doesn’t help.” — @AlphaNiger
“EFCC can’t see APC thieves. Only PDP?” — @BolaBanter
“This quote aged like milk.” — @SoftRebel
“Start with your cabinet first, sir.” — @RenoOmokri
3. “Nigerian youths are lazy.”
Context:
In April 2018 at the Commonwealth Business Forum in London, Buhari remarked that many Nigerian youths expect everything free, without working for it — a statement widely interpreted as labelling them lazy.
Public Reaction:
The backlash was immediate and ferocious. Social media exploded with the hashtag #LazyNigerianYouths, as young people showcased their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit:
“Lazy? While we hustle without power or jobs?” — @LagosCoder
“Mr President should try NYSC in Zamfara first.” — @TheRealNkechi
“We built this country with vibes and pain.” — @LazyYouth247
“I’m unemployed and still feeding my family. Lazy?” — @TegaVibes
4. “What do they mean by restructuring?
Context:
As the call for restructuring Nigeria’s political structure gained momentum, Buhari dismissed it during an interview, implying it was too vague to be actionable.
Public Reaction:
To many, this remark signalled his unwillingness to address longstanding structural imbalances in Nigeria’s federal system:
“Sir, ask Google or just ask Osinbajo.” — @NaijaThinker
“He knows what it means. He’s just playing dumb.” — @ChuksTheDon
“The irony of a retired general not understanding federalism.” — @AyodeleX
“This quote killed any hope of reform.” — @SouthEastVoice
5. “…The other room.”
Context:
In October 2016, after his wife Aisha Buhari publicly criticised his leadership, Buhari responded during a press conference in Germany by saying, “She belongs in the kitchen, the living room, and the other room.”
Public Reaction:
The comment drew global backlash for its perceived sexism, especially as he made it while standing next to German Chancellor Angela Merkel:
“Misogyny loading… 100%.” — @AishaFightsBack
“So this is our feminist-in-chief?” — @AdaSpeaks
“Nigeria deserves better than kitchen jokes.” — @SassyNaija
“Even Melania Trump winced at this one.” — @OyinTalks
6. “I don’t know what subsidy is.”
Context:
When pressed on the petroleum subsidy controversy — a central economic issue — Buhari responded with this puzzling remark, despite being the Minister of Petroleum himself.
Public Reaction:
Many Nigerians were stunned, interpreting it as either a gaffe or a worrying sign of detachment from policy:
“This is the man in charge of our economy?” — @Truth4Naija
“Imagine a mechanic saying he doesn’t know what a wrench is.” — @FuelFactsNG
“We are in trouble. Big trouble.” — @SubsidySurvivor
“He removed it, brought it back, and still doesn’t get it.” — @Kay_Analyst
7. “How can you kill people and say God is great?”
Context:
Buhari made this statement while condemning the religiously-motivated killings by Boko Haram and other extremists. It reflected his disapproval of using faith to justify violence.
Public Reaction:
The quote was one of Buhari’s most widely accepted statements, seen as a moral stand — though critics demanded more concrete action:
“Finally, a strong moral statement from Buhari.” — @FaithNaija
“We need more than quotes — we need action.” — @NorthWeeps
“Talk is good, but these killings never stopped.” — @PeaceInPlateau
“Thank you for saying it. Now, do something.” — @RevInJustice
8. “We have technically defeated Boko Haram.”
Context:
In December 2015, Buhari declared Boko Haram had been “technically defeated,” claiming the insurgents no longer held territory.
Public Reaction:
This claim was met with scepticism, as attacks continued in the North-East, leading many to question the administration’s definition of “defeat”:
“Define technically. They’re still bombing villages.” — @TruthIsBitter
“This must be technical grammar.” — @YolaSurvivor
“We’ve lost more lives after this quote.” — @KanoCrisis
“Technical defeat, physical terror.” — @RantHQ
9. “Who is the Minister of State for Petroleum?”
Context:
During a Federal Executive Council meeting, Buhari asked this question — apparently forgetting that he held the position himself since taking office in 2015.
Public Reaction:
The gaffe stirred alarm and amusement, with Nigerians questioning his awareness of key cabinet responsibilities:
“Oga, it’s YOU o. You hold the portfolio.” — @EagleEyed
“This is either a joke or a warning sign.” — @MedCheckNigeria
“Na wa! The president forgot his own job.” — @WahalaRepublic
“Can we reset the system, please?” — @JideExplains
10. “I will continue to serve Nigerians to the best of my ability.”
Context:
A recurring phrase in many of Buhari’s speeches, often used to close public addresses and reiterate his dedication.
Public Reaction:
As economic challenges deepened and insecurity worsened, this phrase began to ring hollow for many Nigerians:
“Then your best isn’t good enough.” — @VoteBetter
“We are tired of this ‘best’. Please stop.” — @BenNaija
“Your ‘best’ brought recession twice.” — @HardTruths
“This line belongs in the dustbin of clichés.” — @NaijaReloaded
Buhari’s presidency was marked by strong rhetoric — sometimes inspiring, often divisive. His words became cultural currency, sparking debates, trending hashtags, and fuelling both loyalty and resistance. These 10 quotes offer a revealing snapshot of a presidency defined as much by its voice as by its policies.
