The convoy of the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, was on Tuesday ambushed by Boko Haram militants while on his way to campaign in a remote border village.

The incident has however highlighted the increasingly problematic issues surrounding upcoming elections on Saturday.

At least five people, including a soldier, were killed during Tuesday’s attack on the convoy along the Maiduguri-Gambu road leading to Chad, the Premium Times reported.

The Nigerian Government spokesman Isa Gusau confirmed the attack

Shettima, who is contesting for a senatorial seat on Saturday, is also the campaign director general of his party’s governorship candidate, Babagana Umara.

The gunmen who attacked the convoy were dressed in military uniform and were in what appeared to be two military trucks parked by the side of the road, according to an eyewitness.

Voters in Nigeria, Africa’s biggest democracy, go to the polls on Saturday to elect a new president.

Incumbent Muhammadu Buhari is seeking a second term in office but faces a tight contest from main challenger, Atiku Abubakar, a businessman and former vice president.