When President Muhammadu Buhari declared his intention to contest in the 2019 presidential election, many Nigerians frowned at his decision because they expected him to honourably step aside, and encourage the younger generation to take over the reins of Nigeria’s leadership.

While many entertainers declined comments for fear of losing the favour of powers that be, others eloquently spoke their minds:

 Dbanj: has he declared his intentions to run for second term? Wow, I didn’t know! Well, I have nothing to say about it. I don’t understand the idea of granting amnesty to Boko Haram

2face: I don’t understand the idea of granting amnesty to Boko Haram, it doesn’t make any sense. There are so many graduates out there who are jobless and not able to fend for themselves; why does it have to be people who don’t have respect for lives that the federal government is considering granting amnesty?
 

Actress, Praise Sam Ogan: How can he even think of that! In a country where civil servants retire at 64, he wants to run for an election at the age of 75 and people will vote him in? This country is becoming something else; I doubt we can grow and become better even in the next 200-years! Buhari is too old to rule us again- Pop music star, Skales “Honestly, I’m not in support of Buhari’s decision to run for second term, so it’s a ‘no’ from me. No offence to Buhari though, I have huge respect for him.

Musician, Djinee: “These three years have been painful for the masses as evident in the constant groans and pains you feel everywhere you turn to. It’s always darkest before dawn and before we enjoy a bountiful harvest, we’ll experience the pain associated with years of misrule. But the change won’t come if institutions are made up of corrupt individuals who are strung across parties, decamping because they seek to line their pockets. For the president to move this nation forward, he will have to bite the fingers that fed him. And they include those he dines with because the ruling party and opposition are the same. Will he find ten honest Nigerians? Will he also probe himself for the sake of the nation?

Filmmaker, Prince Iyke Olisa: So far, this administration has inflicted more hardship on the masses than the paradise they promised. Despite the administration’s fight against corruption and the recovery of some stolen funds, we notice more hardship and upsurge of insecurity in the country. I think Buhari has a clear agenda but there are some elements in his government whose presence and activities will continue to undermine his efforts. Any solution that is not affordable or effective is definitely not a solution. Though one must not also fail to accept the truth that the previous administration had its lapses but as a progressive government, one expected that this administration should live beyond daily chanting of the dilemma called “Past administrations” and start making achievements and policies that will reflect on the lives of Nigerians.

Actress, Foluke Daramola: It’s within the constitutional right of the president to decide to contest for second term, but in my own view he’s still an aspirant. APC does not have a presidential candidate yet but one presidential aspirant until after the proposed national congress of the party.

And until all the presidential candidates are presented by all the political parties to Nigerians by all the political parties, it might not be intelligent enough for anybody to jump at anyone yet for consideration in the race. So, Nigeria does not have a presidential candidate yet until INEC presents them to Nigerians. Nigeria has been a dilapidated house under repairs and renovation, no doubt. Mr. President and his team have been trying their best. As far as I’m concerned, he has been trying his best to fix the house.

Radio presenter, Sabina: This present administration had good intentions for Nigeria and Nigerians, or so we were made to believe three and a half years ago during the election campaigns. I was actually one of those who welcomed the idea of giving another set of leaders a chance to see what they could do differently to move Nigeria forward. From my observation, President Buhari and his cabinet had no clue about the magnitude of the issues we face as a nation. Yet they made so many promises. I hold this against them for not properly counting the cost before promising paradise! I do not think he should re-contest. Nigeria needs a more strategic president.

Gospel music singer, Nikki Laoye: “I have no personal bias against President Buhari desiring a second term. But I just personally believe we need a younger, bolder and more strategic mind on the presidential seat at this time. Nigeria is such a rich country but we are not using the right strategies, neither do we have the correct structures in place. That’s why we are still having the same fuel scarcity, electricity issues, etc.

Soma, ex BBNaija housemate: I don’t think Buhari has done half of what he promised Nigerians. So, I’m not in support of his second term ambition, it’s a big no!

Musician, Felix Duke: “What can an old man do? He has nothing to offer, he brought pain and suffering to Nigerians so he should go home, sleep and enjoy his old age. I’m not in support of his declaration to run for second term, God forbid! Haven’t people died enough? I can never support him because I don’t want him back.

Jaywon: “For me, I think everybody deserves a second chance. I feel he hasn’t done badly.” It’s the people’s choice

Actress, Winner Lazarus If he wants to run for second term it’s the choice of the people to vote for him and if they do then it’s fine. Everything depends on the choice of Nigerians Anybody older than Nigeria shouldn’t contest in 2019

Juju music singer, Tayo Mix: Anybody who is older than Nigeria shouldn’t contest at all in 2019 because they only think about their families; they never do anything for Nigerians. They should allow younger people to rule so that problems such as power outage, joblessness, thuggery, violence, corruption, etc. will stop. Yar’Adua’s tenure was better.

Yinka Davies: “Our country won’t be crushed by one man’s destiny. The destiny we bring to this world says a lot about who we are and affects our people, our surroundings, and our community. Should a violent man be called into a gathering, he may not be the culprit, but everything around him will revolt against something, that is where we are. It is not for us to decide, what matters is what destiny he brought to the office. Yar’Adua’s head was gentle.”

Actress, Sylvia Edem: They should allow young people to rule and stop religious conflicts because we need peace in this country. The past three years of his government has been from one violent attack to the other. Do you know how many lives we have lost and the level of hunger people are suffering from? Nigerian youths are angry; Buhari needs to take a rest. I’m not in support of his second term rule.” He has nothing good for Nigeria.

Agoha John: “Buhari should just go and rest and enjoy his old age. How can he think of running for second term because people are pushing him to do so? That man has nothing good for this country.”