After a six-week-long delay as security forces attempted to eradicate the Boko Haram insurgency in the country’s northeast, Saturday’s election will be the fifth since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.

Voters head to polls in election against violent attacks by Boko Haram in the north east.

Analysts are calling the election a pivotal event for the large democracy. President Goodluck Jonathan’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has ruled virtually unopposed for 16 years.

However, he could lose to former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, who has contested three previous elections but never come close to winning.

Buhari’s opposition coalition, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has gained popularity by presenting itself as the face of change for voters who have grown frustrated by the government’s weak record on corruption and security.

Most Nigerians expect a tight race.