Edo 2024: APC aspirant, Agbonayinma withdraws from guber race

Less than 72 hours before the governorship primary of the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), one of the foremost aspirants in the race, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, on Thursday withdrew from the race because of the tragic death of his son in faraway United States of America.

Addressing members of the party in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state late Thursday, Agbonanyinma popularly called EJ, said “It has become pertinent for me to use this medium to address our campaign team, our teeming supporters, the esteemed leaders of our great party, APC, and the good people of Edo State for their unwavering support. 

“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, APC, traditional rulers, religious leaders, opinion leaders, and media influencers across Edo State, and, indeed across 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 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. 

“Consequently, after due consultations and consideration, I am suspending my gubernatorial campaign at this time. We need some quiet time to grieve and heal. 

 “Once again, my sincere gratitude goes to all and sundry for the overwhelming moral, financial, and spiritual support in my journey so far. 

 “I hope that the upcoming APC Gubernatorial Primaries are conducted on a level playing field where every aspirant is accorded a free, fair and equal chance and opportunity to participate in the APC Governorship primaries. 

“And 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.

It would be recalled that Agbonayinma was the first person to officially inform the leadership of the APC that he would be contesting the election when he visited the state secretariat in October 2023.