By Adesina Soyooye
Ehiozuwa Agbonayinwa, an Edo State Governorship Aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, APC, has been forced to withdraw from the race.
He was one of the 12 Aspirants scheduled to slug it out in the Party Primaries scheduled for Saturday. But Agbonayinma, a former member of the House of Representatives withdrew on Thursday from the race, a heart broken man.
He was confronted by every parent’s worst nightmare. His 23 year-old son, Isazuwa Agbonayinma was fatally shot by a gunman in Houston, Texas, United States of America where he resided.
Agbonayinma broke the sad news of the tragedy which befell him, and his decision to withdraw from the race in the aftermath of the incident, when he addressed his supporters at the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area on Thursday.
He told them: “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.”
Under the APC, 11 aspirants will participate in the Primary of Saturday. They include: Clem Agba, a former Minister of State under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Monday Okpebholo, Lucky Imasuen, Anamero Dekeri, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Gideon Ikhine Col David Imuse (retd), Gen Charles Airhiavbere, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, a former one-time Governor of the State, Blessing Agbomhere, Dennis Idahosa and Ernest Umakhihe.
