Ex Edo lawmaker Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, who has also indicated interest to run for the governorship seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has withdrawn from the Edo state governorship race following his son’s murder in the United States of America.
Agbonayinma, made his withdrawal known from the race on Thursday, February 15 2024 following the killing of his 23-year-old son, Osazuwa Agbonayinma, who was said to have been shot dead by a gunman in Houston, Texas, USA.
While addressing his supporters and members of the party in the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area on Thursday, Agbonanyinma appreciated them and called on them to stay united and back whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer in the primary election scheduled for Saturday.
“Over a year ago, I decided to give serious consideration to the calls from well-meaning Edolites at home, and in the Diaspora, on the dire need to change the political narrative in Edo State, while expressing confidence in my ability to champion the cause of moving Edo State forward.
“So, I began consultations with my family, friends, close allies, leaders of our great party, traditional rulers, religious leaders, opinion leaders, and media influencers across Edo State and the nation on my interest to contest in the 2024 Edo governorship race.
“To the glory of God, the positive reception has been overwhelming. I am eternally grateful for the individual and collective efforts for this success”. he added.
The former member of the house of representatives said that at the height of this success, his family suffered a very tragic development following the death of his 23-year-old son, Osazuwa Michael Agbonayinma (Zuwa).
Agbonayinma who noted that he has just returned from the United States after laying his son to rest, lamented that it is a very bitter experience that cannot be wished even upon an enemy.
He maintained that he is highly devastated by the incident and is thereby not in the right frame of mind to further pursue his political campaign.
While thanking his supporters for their overwhelming moral, financial, and spiritual support, the ex parliamentarian said that after due consultations and consideration, he has decided to suspend his gubernatorial campaign adding that he needs some quiet time to grieve and heal.
He expressed the hope that the Edo APC governorship primary slated for Saturday 17 February will offer aspirants a level playing field, where every aspirant is accorded a free, fair and equal chance and opportunity to participate in the APC governorship primary.
He stated further; “As a loyal party man, I call on all leaders and supporters of our great party, APC, to fall behind the party flag-bearer that would eventually emerge from a free, fair and credible process such that APC will go into the governorship election as a united party”.
