Nigeria 's presidential election will get under way on 16 February with more than 70 candidates in the running , although it 's expected to be a two - horse race between incumbent Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress and Atiku Ibrahim of the People ’s Democratic Party . El-Rufai's comments drew criticism from international organisations and the opposition, heightening tensions further. Reports of violence are rising after five members of the ruling party were shot and killed in the southeast of the nation . Nigeria historically faces violence when elections are taking place . However , analysts are warning that this vote could be one of the bloodiest .
Nigeria 's presidential election will get under way on 16 February with more than 70 candidates in the running , although it 's expected to be a two - horse race between incumbent Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress and Atiku Ibrahim of the People ’s Democratic Party . Reports of violence are rising after five members of the ruling party were shot and killed in the southeast of the nation . Nigeria historically faces violence when elections are taking place . However , analysts are warning that this vote could be one of the bloodiest .