Citing the emotional trauma rising from the murder of his son in the US, another of the 12 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants in Edo State and former House of Representatives Member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, has thrown in the towel and withdrawn from the race.
Another frontline aspirant and the party’s 2020 flag-bearer, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyanmu, has also withdrawn his aspiration.
With the exit of Ize-Iyanmu and Agbonayinma, 10 aspirants are left, including: Clem Agba, Monday Okpebholo, Lucky Imasuen, Anamero Dekeri and Gideon Ikhine Col David Imuse (retd).
Others are: Gen Charles Airhiavbere, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Blessing Agbomhere, Dennis Idahosa and Ernest Umakhihe.
Agbonayinma, a former Member of the House of Representatives, announced his withdrawal from the governorship race on Thursday and hinged it on the killing of his 23-year-old son, Osazuwa Agbonayinma, by a gunman in Houston, Texas, USA.
Agbonayinma was the first aspirant to officially inform the APC leadership of his intention to vie for the position in October 2023.
Addressing supporters and members of the party in the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area on Thursday, Agbonanyinma urged them to stay united and support the party’s coming flagbearer.
The primary election holds on Saturday.
The slain young man was a musician who went by the stage name Zuwa.
He said, “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.
“At the height of this success, my family suffered a very tragic development. My 23-year-old and very promising son, Osazuwa Michael Agbonayinma (Zuwa), was fatally shot and killed in Houston, Texas, USA. I have just returned from the United States after my son was buried. This is a very bitter experience that cannot be wished even upon an enemy.
“Presently, my family and I are highly devastated. And I am not in the right frame of mind to continue any serious political campaign at this time. After due consultations and consideration, I am suspending my gubernatorial campaign at this time. We need some quiet time to grieve and heal.”
He hoped that the Edo APC governorship primary holding this Saturday will offer aspirants a level playing field and give them a free, fair and equal chance.
“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,” he said.
