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Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, has emerged as the frontrunner in the upcoming Edo governorship election, according to a recent pre-election poll by the Africa Polling Institute (API).
The survey, conducted between August 12th and 16th, 2024, revealed that Ighodalo currently enjoys the support of 43% of likely voters.
His closest rival, Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), trails with 20%.
Barrister Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) is further behind, securing just 9% of the voter support.
Despite Ighodalo's substantial lead, the poll underscores the pivotal role that undecided voters, constituting 28% of the electorate, will play in shaping the final result.
Professor Bell Ihua, Executive Director of API, noted, "With 28% of respondents yet to make up their minds, the outcome remains uncertain, leaving room for either of the top contenders to sway these crucial votes."
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The survey also revealed voter confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the electoral process.
A notable 47% of respondents expressed little to no confidence in INEC's ability to conduct a free and fair election, while 34% showed moderate confidence, and only 19% expressed full trust.
Nonetheless, 80% of those surveyed reported feeling secure enough to vote on election day.
Regarding party strength, 42% of respondents believe the PDP has the best chance of winning, compared to 22% for the APC and 6% for the LP.
Voters cited competence, personality, and experience as their top decision-making factors, with 43% of respondents recognising Ighodalo as the candidate who best embodies these qualities.
The API poll, conducted through telephone interviews with 2,687 Nigerians across Edo State, carries a margin of error of ±5% at a 95% confidence level.