By Christiana Ekpa
A recent poll conducted by the Africa Polling Institute (API) has revealed that Mr. Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is leading his closest opponents, Mr. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Mr. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), in the Edo State 2024 gubernatorial election.
The poll, which was conducted between August 12th and 16th, 2024, showed that Ighodalo has a strong lead with 43% of the votes, followed by Okpebholo with 20%, and Akpata with 9%. However, a significant proportion of undecided voters, 28%, may still swing the election in favor of any of the leading candidates.
The poll also revealed that 94% of respondents were registered to vote in Edo State and had collected their permanent voters’ cards (PVCs), while 83% had given some thought to the upcoming election.
When asked which political party stood the best chance of winning the election, 42% of respondents thought it was the PDP, followed by 22% who mentioned the APC, and 6% who favored the LP.
The top factors that will influence voters’ decisions in the election are the candidate’s competence (57%), personality (42%), experience and track record (36%), political party (34%), and party manifesto/policy stance (16%).
Ighodalo was seen as the candidate who meets these factors by 43% of respondents, followed by Okpebholo (21%), and Akpata (7%). However, 29% of respondents were unsure of the candidate who meets these factors.
The API believes that the 2024 Edo Governorship Election will eventually be a two-horse race between PDP and APC, and a lot depends on which candidate has what it takes to win over the hearts of Edo people and swing the 28% of undecided voters in their favor.
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