Two major contenders include the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari (All Progressive Congress) and the opposition candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (Peoples Democratic Party).
Mwaka huu kuna  wagombea wakuu watano kati ya wagombea wote 73wa kinyang'anyiro hiki cha Uraisi.. Wagombea wakuu wawili akiwepo Rais anayemaliza muda wake Muhammadu Buhari (Chama cha Maendeleo kwa Wote) na mgombea kutoka chama cha Upinzani; Makamu wa Raisi wa zamani Atiku Abubakar (Chama cha Demokrasia kwa Watu).