Well I do not see it as sympathy votes.  That one does not catch the average Nigerian.  I see it as a feeling of - "I will make a difference if I have one opportunity".
Seriously, I am afraid that Jonathan, although the new guy on the block, has gravitated towards the Obj's that I fear he will end up been same ole.  I will not even advice a vote for Ribadu.  That one no be am!.  So between Buhari and Jonathan, this is my take
- Jonathan had the opportunity because he had no "godfather" to report to.  But he went ahead to adopt godfather after he had become president.  His alignment with Obj for me makes him unsellable
-Buhari had fought with everyone, and if he makes it in there, a lot of people will either leave Naija and go on exile, or will end up in Jail - eg IBB.  Those who rigged him out of previous elections may simply move to Cameroon or other countries where they have "life presidents" or "third term" presidents. ...and quite frankly, that will set the stage for the change that we need.
If Jonathan can do this (an opportunity he is already eroding) he will be the best man for the job.  But from the look of things, he has already sold his soul and blocos to the devil!

I read all these post and I realize that there is no hope for Nigeria.  All I see here is a bunch of educated illiterates pondering upon tribalism, religious sentiments, insulters and a bunch of exhibitors of emptiness.

I am not in Naija and unfortunately cannot vote.  I wish I could!  I have never had a likeness for any of the candidates.  But it is said that to see what a man can do, you look at what the man has done.  Goodluck Jonathan has all but aligned himself to that Gorilla called Obj.  He did not have to.  He was popular from the beginning and could have started a revolutionary transformation of Nigeria.  I am Niger Deltan, I would not have voted for him.  He is not independent.

I would not have voted for Nuhu Ribadu.  He was the Gorrila's dog and in the course of his been a bull dog, he violated the rights of good people,.

Buhari may have been too much of a religious extremist - but he doused that by the appointment of the politician pastor as his vice (note I am catholic and don't have any respect for rich pastors milking their poor congregates)

Of the Bunch, Buhari at least has shown himself from what he has done before, to be one that can actually change the mentality of Nigeria!