An independent, non-profit research organisation, Africa Polling Institute (API) in its latest poll has revealed that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo, is leading in the race for the Edo State governorship election.

The poll, conducted from August 12 to 16, 2024, surveyed Edo State citizens and voters’ perceptions and intentions ahead of the election.

The poll revealed that 72% of respondents have made up their minds on which candidate to vote for, while 28% remained undecided. Examining the voting intentions of respondents who have chosen a candidate, approximately 60% support Dr. Asue Ighodalo, 28% favour Sen. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 12% back Barr. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).

The survey also highlighted that 94% of respondents are registered voters with permanent voters’ cards (PVCs) and 83% have given considerable thought to the election.

However, confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is mixed, with 47% lacking confidence in its ability to conduct a free and fair election, 34% having some confidence, and 19% expressing complete confidence. Notably, 80% of respondents feel safe going out to vote on election day.

Regarding the factors influencing voter decisions, 57% cited the candidate’s competence, followed by personality (42%), experience and track record (36%), political party (34%), and party manifesto (16%).

The API report concludes by stating that while Dr. Ighodalo is currently polling ahead of other candidates in the 2024 Edo Governorship Election; they believe it will eventually end up a two-horse race between PDP and APC; and a lot depends on which candidate is able to swing the 28% of undecided voters in their favour.

The report said the method used in the state-wide poll involved telephone interviews with 2,687 randomly selected voters across Edo State’s 18 local government areas while all interviews were conducted in five major languages spoken in Edo State: English, Pidgin English, Benin, Esan and Etsako languages.