The Nigerian Twittersphere has been set abuzz by the #BuhariChallenge, a satire-based challenge aimed at President Muhammadu Buhari over his perceived ‘reluctance’ to address the country amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Since the chief of staff to the president tested positive for the deadly virus, speculation has been rife that the president had been infected and had left the country.
This rumour was further fuelled by the president’s reluctance to address citizens over the pandemic and an audio clip making the rounds on social media alleging he was out of the country.
In a bid to quash the rumour, the presidency released a statement on Thursday with a picture of the president working in his study.
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“The concocted audio message about President @MBuhari’s whereabouts should be totally disregarded. It is fake news in its entirety. The President tonight at the State House, at work,” it said.
The concocted audio message about President @MBuhari’s whereabouts should be totally disregarded. It is Fake News in its entirety. The President tonight at the State House, at work. pic.twitter.com/LTCup8Llz2
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) March 26, 2020
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The statement has opened a floodgate of reactions as Nigerians took to Twitter to register their differing opinions.
Using the hashtag #BuhariChallenge, users have shared satire-filled tweets stating impossible scenarios that could be compared to the president addressing the nation.
“Shehu Shagari welcoming the Queen at the Lagos airport earlier today despite the statewide lockdown,” a Twitter user said.
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“Mary Slessor posing for a photo during her VOGUE magazine shoot,” another user said.
Here are some top reactions from the #BuhariChallenge:
Shehu Shagari welcoming the Queen at the Lagos airport earlier today despite the statewide lockdown. #BuhariChallenge pic.twitter.com/Gx50VrEEHR
— CYBER DOBERMAN (@Baldilocks__) March 27, 2020
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Dagrin was seen at Ojuelegba this morning posing with his new Toyota Camry 2020 #BuhariChallenge pic.twitter.com/FeNPeTBkL4
Advertisement— Temitayo Olaoluwa (@olasco4world) March 27, 2020
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Our president just finished his media chat with the press. He has finally addressed the nation. #buharichallenge pic.twitter.com/tPd84H4yhb
— Mr.Olopa (@MrOlopa) March 27, 2020
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https://twitter.com/ManLikeFuggi/status/1243488103165280258?s=20
#BuhariChallenge:
Assuming the corona virus is affecting Cows.Buhari: pic.twitter.com/nmd84fAQ8G
— Sweet Shantel (@SweetShantel) March 27, 2020
If you don't like addressing your Nation stand up and if you like GHOSTING on your people stand up.#BuhariChallenge pic.twitter.com/nUHa1AI4Aa
— TAHYOR 👑- 36- (@eyitayojay) March 27, 2020
Ibrahim Babagida on his way to back from wizkid's show last night accompainied by bouncers #BuhariChallenge pic.twitter.com/B35r3SWlc6
— GameChanger😋 (@Emycutee1) March 27, 2020
#BuhariChallenge MKO and Abacha left the Aso Rock at 12:00pm today they didn't meet with PMB at Aso Rock but an Angel meet them and told them that “He will meet you at Galilee'' pic.twitter.com/VdIzi83tlB
— Bàbá Aláwò Aramanda (@theoracleOlaifa) March 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/IkeDavid14/status/1243506740953518082?s=20
Had to take a quick one for the gram
Y'all should follow me on ig real quick
Ig:maryslessoractivist#BuhariChallenge pic.twitter.com/EQyZtsmtLR— sabito heart🐉 (@gidiiszn) March 27, 2020
Lawrence Anini leaving the Appeal court yesterday after Justice Tanko acquitted him. At last! Justice prevails. 👍 #BuhariChallenge pic.twitter.com/uIFnsIbxmp
— #TooBlessed (@Nelly21417) March 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/MacOfBenin/status/1243448382359851008?s=20
Dagrin was seen at Ojuelegba this morning posing with his new Toyota Camry 2020 #BuhariChallenge pic.twitter.com/FeNPeTBkL4
— Temitayo Olaoluwa (@olasco4world) March 27, 2020
Mungo Park on his journey to help us discover the location of our hidden president#BuhariChallenge pic.twitter.com/1vCl323L8M
— professor fingas (@fingatipss) March 27, 2020
If u are the president that disappeared doing this crisis stand up #BuhariChallenge pic.twitter.com/CbYfytayV7
— #Ozone layer (@emmanlex) March 27, 2020
Obafemi Awolowo with his family earlier this morning in Ikenne. #BuhariChallenge https://t.co/l76AHXXMxE pic.twitter.com/SlEvpUgFfI
— Ayobami (@dondekojo) March 26, 2020
Fela killed it on stage tonight!! Eko Hotel was lit 🔥 😭😭😭 #BuhariChallenge pic.twitter.com/FqBHBQVtxa
— The Gentleman (@Mature_Gambino) March 26, 2020
President Yar’Adua giving a speech this morning concerning the ongoing Pandemic…lifting the hope of Nigerians #BuhariChallenge pic.twitter.com/DO4hUOhqJ4
— Sir UGLIعST III • 🥤† (@skizyman) March 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/NeddMichaels/status/1243417341473390592?s=20
https://twitter.com/ikoyikid/status/1243297246533300227?s=20
While receiving a delegation of Northern leaders at his country home residence this afternoon, Lord Lugard stressed the need for the country to keep calm and self isolate. #BuhariChallenge pic.twitter.com/DbjB2SDK4z
— Jamal (@JajaPhD) March 26, 2020
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