This was despite warning a week ago that rising insecurity could force the polls to be cancelled or delayed.

Prof Yakubu was speaking at an event organised by the Chatham House think-tank in London.

Nigerians are set to elect a new president at the end of February, then will elect governors and local councils two weeks after.

These elections come as the country is experiencing a spate mass kidnappings, banditry, religious and ethnic tensions as well as violent agitations for independence in several parts of the country.

According to Prof Yakubu 93.4 million people have registered to vote in the elections, with more than 74 million between the ages of 18 and 49.