President Buhari’s Social Capital, Popularity are not enough for Bonding with Citizens Ahead of 2019 Elections

As All Progressives Congress presents President Muhammadu Buhari for 2019 Presidential Election, Infoprations has found that the current social capital of the President has little contributions to the President’s popularity among Nigerians within various online communities. Analysis shows that, apart from the official Facebook page of the President, individuals and groups have equally created pages or groups for the President, supporting his administration since 2015 and canvassing for Nigerians support ahead of 2019 election.

The official page of the President has 747,098 followers and 753, 939 likes as at the time of writing this analysis. Seventeen pages or groups were also found with a total of 634,488 followers.  The followers and likes constitute President Buhari’s social capital while the extent to which Nigerians within online communities had interest in him from January 9 to October 9, 2018 using various search engines encompasses his popularity.

When Infoprations analysed the social capital along with the popularity to discern the existing connection, analysis reveals that one increase in followership leads to 3.2% increase in President’s popularity within online communities. However, this is not enough for the President. With less than 5 months to the election, analysis indicates that the current social capital ensures 0.1% popularity for the President.

Social Media Team of the President needs to work more on how the capital will be increased and facilitated meaningful political engagement ahead of the election. Having huge social capital and interact with the followers frequently will enhance the possibility that Nigerians will be engaged with the President on issues of national importance.