Edo Guber: Ighodalo Ahead of Okpebholo, Akpata, Others, Says Poll

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The African Polling Institute (API) has revealed that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, is ahead of his two closest opponents, Mr. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Mr. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).

The Executive Director of API, Prof. Bell Ihua, in a statement issued Wednesday added that the poll also showed that there was a significant proportion of undecided voters.

He noted that the state-wide poll, conducted between August 12th and 16th, 2024 was aimed at capturing the perceptions and attitudes of Edo State citizens, residents, and voters on the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in the state.

Ihua stated that the poll with Ighodalo 43 per cent was currently in a strong position, maintaining a 23-point lead over his closest opponent, Okpebholo, with 20 per cent, while Akpata with 9 per cent trails from a distance.

He added: “However, a significant proportion of undecided voters, 28 per cent, may be able to swing the votes in favour of any of the two leading candidates.

“In addition, 94 per cent of respondents were registered in Edo State and had collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), while 83 per cent had given some thought to the Edo 2024 governorship election.

“In terms of election integrity, 47 per cent of respondents are not at all confident in INEC’s ability to conduct a free, fair and credible election, while 34 per cent have some confidence and 19 per cent have complete confidence in INEC.”

The poll further showed that 80 per cent of respondents said they feel safe going out to vote on election day.

Ihua noted: “Respondents were also asked which political party stood the best chance of winning the Edo 2024 governorship election. From the response, 42 per cent thought that PDP stands the best chance of winning, followed by 22 per cent who mentioned APC and 6 per cent who favoured LP.”

The poll further revealed that 72 per cent of respondents have made up their minds on which candidate to vote for, while 28 per cent remained undecided.

Examining the voting intentions of respondents who have chosen a candidate, the poll indicated that about 60 per cent supported Ighodalo, 28 per cent favoured Okpebholo and 12 per cent are in support of Akpata.

Regarding the factors influencing voter decisions, 57 per cent cited the candidate’s competence, 42 per cent chose experience, 36 per cent chose track record, 34 per cent chose political party, while 16 per cent chose party manifesto.

The poll pointed out while Ighodalo is currently leading other candidates, API believed it would be a two-horse race between PDP and APC, adding that a lot depends on which candidate is able to swing the 28 per cent of undecided voters in their favour.