Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, has taken the lead in the upcoming Edo governorship election, according to a recent pre-election poll by the Africa Polling Institute (API). The poll, conducted between August 12th and 16th, 2024, indicates that Ighodalo currently has the support of 43% of likely voters.
Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is in second place with 20% support, while Barrister Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) is trailing with 9%. Despite Ighodalo’s significant lead, 28% of voters remain undecided, making their choices pivotal for the final election outcome.
Voters identified competence, personality, and experience as the most important factors in their decision-making, with 43% recognizing Ighodalo as the candidate who best embodies these qualities. The survey also highlighted varying levels of confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with 47% of respondents expressing little to no confidence in its ability to conduct a free and fair election. Nonetheless, 80% of respondents reported feeling secure enough to vote on election day.
The API poll, which involved telephone interviews with 2,687 Nigerians across Edo State, has a margin of error of ±5% at a 95% confidence level.