( CNN ) Nigerians are scheduled to head to the polls this Saturday in what will be the most closely watched elections in Africa this year . The poll will test the strength of an electoral process that has been marred by violence and flawed results throughout the country 's short democratic history . The stakes are high , and there is a very real danger of prolonged violence across the country if the electorate questions the legitimacy of the outcome . The conduct of the elections will have long lasting repercussions on both Nigerians and the U.S.-Nigeria relationship . Against the backdrop of these elections is the ongoing threat and destabilization caused by Boko Haram , a group that has killed more than 10,000 people in northeastern Nigeria during its five-year campaign of terror , and kidnapped hundreds more , including young girls . These actions have shocked and horrified Americans . What many Americans may not recognize is how important the relationship with Nigeria is for the United States . We have economic and security interests that are at stake in this election , especially as Nigeria has been one of our strongest allies in the region since military rule there ended . In the last decade , the U.S. has trained and equipped thousands of Nigerian soldiers who have participated in peacekeeping missions in Mali , Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia , helping bring a measure of peace and stability to nations in the West Africa region . But now we need Nigeria to be a front-line ally against terrorism , particularly as Boko Haram pledges fidelity to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria . Meanwhile , Nigeria also has the largest economy in Africa and has the continent 's largest population . Indeed , it has been identified as one in the next set of prominent emerging economies , making it a tantalizing target for U.S. private investment . It is also Africa 's No . 1 oil producer , although an increasingly diversified economy -- for example in the agriculture sector -- provides a myriad of opportunities for more robust trade with the United States . Ultimately , a stable Nigeria will mean real economic opportunities for Americans -- a win-win proposition . Yet despite this potential , the uncertain electoral environment and other serious challenges stand in the way of a deeper bond . The reality is that endemic corruption remains an obstacle to more cooperation , especially when you consider the Nigerian military 's poor performance fighting Boko Haram , despite security spending reportedly being around $ 6 billion last year -- clearly , much of the money meant for the military is not being spent on salaries , equipment or materiel . Similarly , weak governance remains an impediment to Nigeria 's progress and enhanced ties with the United States . Nearly 70 % of those in areas in the north live in absolute poverty , according to recent data , as compared to about 50 % in southern areas of the country . Such failure on the part of the government to address poverty and inequality facilitates Boko Haram 's recruitment effort and foments internal instability . The Nigerian people clearly believe that these issues must be addressed . According to an Afrobarometer survey released in January , 74 % of Nigerian citizens said that their country is going `` in the wrong direction . '' Half of Nigerians surveyed expressed significant concern about political intimidation or violence in the current election environment . If the Nigerian leadership rises to the challenge of tackling these difficult issues , there is nothing standing in the way of even closer ties between our two countries . But it is not just about the leadership -- this election offers the chance for all Nigerians to choose their future , and decide which policies will shape the next four years . Their example , for better or worse , will be watched -- and perhaps even replicated by other African states . The decisions made in the coming days and weeks will shape U.S.-Nigeria relations for years to come . But more importantly , they will determine the future for Nigeria 's people . The world is watching Nigeria 's historic choice with great expectation and even greater hope .
Robert Menendez : Nigerian elections will test the democracy 's electoral process , marred by mistakes and flawed results in past . strategic ties to this regional ally are crucial ; U.S. economic and security are at stake as democracy 's leaders choose their leaders .