The African Union Election Observation Mission is being headed by former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta, who helped broker a deal to end two years of war in northern Ethiopia and is mediating in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The AU said the objectives of the mission were to provide an accurate and impartial assessment of the electoral process, offer recommendations for any improvement in future polls and to demonstrate AU support towards consolidation of democracy, peace, stability and development in Nigeria.
Nearly one hundred million people are expected to vote to choose the successor to President Muhammadu Buhari, who steps down after two terms.
