While his tenure from 2015 to 2023 was marked by critical reforms and contentious policies, it was equally shaped by a wave of viral moments, memes, and online uproar that defined an era of Nigerian social media like never before.
Here are 10 of the most talked-about and controversial Buhari-era events that lit up the internet and etched themselves into the nation’s collective memory.
The ‘Lazy Nigerian Youths’ Fallout (2018)
During a session at the Commonwealth Business Forum in London, Buhari suggested many Nigerian youths expected benefits without hard work. Though he never used the word “lazy,” the internet interpreted it that way.
The backlash was swift, with the hashtag #LazyNigerianYouths becoming a digital battle cry against the stereotype and a broader critique of government neglect.
The ‘Jubril of Sudan’ Conspiracy
Buhari’s extended medical stay in the UK in 2017 gave rise to one of Nigeria’s wildest conspiracy theories: that he had been replaced by a Sudanese body double named “Jubril”.
Despite his public denial in 2018, the rumour endured — fuelling memes, satire, and endless internet humour.
The Twitter Ban (2021)
Nigeria’s sudden ban on Twitter after the platform removed one of Buhari’s tweets sparked global condemnation.
Lasting seven months, the move ignited concerns about press freedom and digital rights, while Nigerians responded with VPNs, resistance, and viral activism.
Border Closure Controversy (2019–2020)
In a bid to curb smuggling and bolster local agriculture, Buhari closed Nigeria’s land borders.
What followed was food inflation, economic strain, and online outrage — with citizens questioning the policy’s effectiveness and long-term cost.
#EndSARS and the Delayed Address (2020)
The #EndSARS protests against police brutality gained global momentum, but Buhari’s delayed response and failure to address the Lekki TollGate incident left Nigerians enraged.
The hashtag #WhereIsBuhari reflected growing anger at his perceived absence during one of Nigeria’s darkest modern moments.
Naira Redesign and Cash Crisis (2023)
A controversial naira redesign near the end of his tenure led to widespread cash shortages, hardship, and protests.
As banks struggled and businesses suffered, Nigerians vented online, accusing the administration of being out of touch with grassroots realities.
“My Wife Belongs to the Kitchen…” Gaffe (2016)
Responding to public criticism from First Lady Aisha Buhari while in Berlin, Buhari said:
“She belongs to my kitchen, my living room, and the other room.”
The sexist remark trended globally, drawing condemnation and fuelling debates about gender roles in African politics.
“I Belong to Everybody and to Nobody” (2015)
This line from Buhari’s inaugural speech was praised for its unifying tone — until critics used it sarcastically to call out perceived favouritism in appointments and governance.
It quickly transformed from a promise into a punchline.
Medical Trips to London
Buhari’s frequent health-related absences from Nigeria sparked countless memes and hashtags like #FixOurHospitals.
Many viewed the foreign trips as symbolic of a government disconnected from the healthcare struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
‘Bubu’ and Meme Culture
Whether affectionately or mockingly, Nigerians online dubbed him “Bubu” — a name that featured heavily in countless memes.
From sleepy public appearances to stone-faced expressions, Buhari’s image became an inexhaustible source of internet humour and political commentary.
A Digital Legacy Etched in Memes and Moments
From trending hashtags to viral blunders, Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency was inextricably tied to Nigeria’s evolving digital voice.
In death, as in life, his legacy remains intensely debated, hilariously memed, and permanently bookmarked in the nation’s social media history.
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Top Buhari controversies Nigeria
Buhari memes and internet legacy
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Jubril of Sudan theory
Nigerian youth lazy comment
Buhari’s wife kitchen remark
