Memorable Quotes That Defined Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidency and Legacy
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at 82, left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape. Leading the nation through a pivotal era of anti-corruption reforms and national security challenges, Buhari’s presidency was defined by his unwavering commitment to discipline and accountability. From his military rule in 1983 to his democratic tenure starting in 2015, his leadership style was characterized by a no-nonsense approach and a vision for national unity.
Buhari’s “change mantra” became a rallying cry, promising a break from Nigeria’s past and a focus on integrity. While his presidency sparked both admiration and criticism, his words often blunt and commanding resonated deeply, shaping public perception of his governance.
As Nigeria mourns his loss, we reflect on the powerful quotes that encapsulated his leadership and vision for the nation.
These memorable statements, sourced from the PMB Score Card website, highlight Buhari’s focus on unity, sacrifice, and accountability.
Below are some of his most defining quotes, presented exactly as spoken, offering insight into a presidency driven by the promise of change.
On Forgiveness and Reconciliation
“Whoever thought that there has been some form of injustice on him we are all humans, there is no doubt I hurt some people, and I wish they would pardon me and those who think that I have hurt them, please pardon me.”
-LATE PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (May, 2023)
On Unity and National Pride
“I would like to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his display of statesmanship in setting a precedent for us that has now made our people proud to be Nigerians wherever they are. With the support and cooperation, he has given to the transition process, he has made it possible for us to show the world that despite the perceived tension in the land we can be a united people capable of doing what is right for our nation. Together we co-operated to surprise the world that had come to expect only the worst from Nigeria.”
– INAUGURAL SPEECH OF PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI FOLLOWING HIS SWEARING-IN AS PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON 29TH MAY, 2015
On Impartial Leadership
“Having just a few minutes ago sworn on the Holy Book, I intend to keep my oath and serve as President to all Nigerians. I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody. A few people have privately voiced fears that on coming back to office I shall go after them. These fears are groundless. There will be no paying off old scores. The past is prologue.”
– INAUGURAL SPEECH OF PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI FOLLOWING HIS SWEARING-IN AS PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON 29TH MAY, 2015
On Economic Hardship and Sacrifice
“I know how difficult things are, and how rough business is. All my adult life I have always earned a salary and I know what it is like when your salary simply is not enough. In every part of our nation people are making incredible sacrifices.”
– INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS OF HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON 1ST OCTOBER 2016
On Economic Challenges
“We wasted our large foreign exchange reserves to import nearly everything we consume. Our food, Our clothing, Our manufacturing inputs, Our fuel and much more. In the past 18 months when we experienced low oil prices, we saw our foreign exchange earnings cut by about 60%, our reserves eroded and our consumption declined as we could not import to meet our needs.”
– SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI AT THE PRESENTATION OF 2017 ‘BUDGET OF RECOVERY AND GROWTH
’On Peaceful Elections
“Elections need not be [a] do or die affair, and we should not approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and mortal fear. Happily, a large number of presidential candidates have committed to peace, and peace we shall have.”
– PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI’S 2019 NEW YEAR SPEECH ON 1ST JANUARY 2019
On National Healing
“We need to begin a sincere process of national healing and this anniversary presents a genuine opportunity to eliminate old and outworn perceptions that are always put to test in the lie they always are. The stereotype of thinking of ourselves as coming from one part of the country before seeing ourselves as Nigerians is a key starting point to project us on the road to our deserved nation’s evolution and integration.”
– SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON THE OCCASION OF THE NIGERIA AT 60 CELEBRATIONS AND INDEPENDENCE DAY SPEECH
These quotes, drawn from key moments in Buhari’s presidency, reflect his commitment to fostering unity, accountability, and resilience in Nigeria. As the nation remembers his legacy, his words continue to inspire reflection on the challenges and aspirations of a complex nation.
