Incumbent Goodluck Johnathan, the former vice-president who assumed office after his predecessor's death last year, is perceived as the frontrunner; his closest competition is expected from Mohammadu Buhari, who briefly governed the country during the 1980s. 
Rais aliye madarakani Goodluck Johnathan, makamu wa rais wa zamani ambaye alichukua madaraka baada ya kifo cha aliyemtangulia mwaka jana, anachukuliwa kama mgombea anayeongoza; mshindani wake wa karibu anategemewa kuwa Mohammadu Buhari, ambaye kwa muda mfupi aliongoza nchi hiyo mnamo miaka ya 1980.