by Adedayo Ademuwagun

31 years ago, Muhammadu Buhari was the head of state and Goodluck Jonathan was a student.

Today he’s pushing 73 and he’s still running against Jonathan for president.

Why do young people support Buhari so much despite his old age?

Many of these young Nigerians hadn’t even been born when the general was in charge of the country in the early 80s, and most of what they know about him is based on hearsay and conjecture.

Samuel says for example, “I don’t really know much about him or his running mate, but I’ve learned a lot about him from my parents and other elders. My parents told me that when Buhari was in charge, things were better, there was discipline and the government really tried to change the society. But some people didn’t like him. However, he performed well. So I believe he will do it again this time.”

This election is effectively a horserace between President Jonathan and Buhari, and hardly anyone even knows who the rest of the candidates are. Therefore, young people who will vote this March essentially have to choose between Jonathan and Buhari.

One reason young people are lining up so staunchly behind Buhari is that Jonathan simply isn’t as popular among young people as he used to be. Young Nigerians don’t just want a change; many of them say they’re desperate for a change.

Samuel says, “This is not about age or religion to me. At this point I intend to vote for anyone but Jonathan even if he’s 100 years old. I just want change.”

Many young people are like that. They believe Jonathan’s government hasn’t performed well enough to create jobs, improve education and create opportunities for young people. On the national level, they’re frustrated by the way his government has been handling issues and many of them have simply concluded that things are not going to get better with Jonathan in charge.

One youth tweeted, “The probability that things will get better with Jonathan in charge is zero. The probability that things will get better with Buhari in charge is unknown. I prefer unknown.”

But maybe it just looks like that on social media.

Kemi says, “I’m not saying age is a problem. But the fact that we’re even thinking about voting a man who is in old age is pathetic to me. Don’t we have any younger person who can do the job and maybe even do it better than Jonathan? Couldn’t the APC have looked for a younger person, a fresh person who has something new to offer instead of an old general from a dark past? It’s disappointing.”

Juliet says, “Buhari hasn’t changed much from the last 12 years since he’s been running for president. The only thing that’s changed to me is his brand. People think of him differently from before because of the current longing for a change and because of the current circumstances. I’m not expecting a great deal from him if he wins.”

Nevertheless Buhari has made a good impression on his young supporters during his campaign. He’s got an inspiring figure. He looks like a revolutionary with the way he pumps his fist in the air. His young supporters are obviously impressed with the way he’s managed criticism about this past record, and they think he’s capable of running the country better. A lot of young people are backing him religiously.

However, how progressive is it to vote a man who ruled over 30 years ago? Is that moving forward? Does it even matter?

“It doesn’t matter to me,” says Samuel. “The main thing is pick the most capable man for the job, and I think this year that person is Buhari.”

—————–

Connect with the writer via Twitter: @_Adedayo_