Given the divisions in Nigeria between north and south along with the violence perpetrated by  Boko Haram it seems likely that there will be some level of violence this month with or without the election.

In my own opinion, any advice at this point might be too late. The only way violence can be prevented is for govenrment institutions saddled with the responsibilitty of maintaining law and order to rise to the occasion. Such institutions, like the Police, Army and other para  military agencies should maintain law and order without fear or favor. It is apparent that this will not be the case because of the totalitarian nature of governance in Nigeria. I concur that violence is going to be and there have been indications that it has the backing of the central government. It is on record that the central government is indirectly funding ethnic militant groups to perpetrate violence on its behalf.