An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, has withdrawn from the Edo State governorship race following the death of his son in the United States.
Agbonayinma, who represented Egor/Ikpoba-Okha federal constituency in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019, disclosed his withdrawal to his party members and supporters in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
The politician said he did not have the right frame of mind to go into political campaigns and rallies needed for the governorship race in Edo.
Agbonayinma’s 23-year-old son, Osazuwa Michael, a music artiste with the stage name Zuwa, was shot dead on January 7, in Houston, Texas, USA.
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Speaking about his son’s death and its devastating effect on his family and political career, Agbonayinma said it was a “bitter experience that cannot be wished even upon an enemy.”
“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,” the former lawmaker said.
“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.
“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 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.
“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.”
Shooting is an epidemic social upheaval in the US, as many citizens and nationals have lost their lives over it in schools, bars, streets, hospitals, and many other public places.
On Wednesday, one person was shot dead and 21 injured at a shooting at the Kansas City Chief’s Super Bowl in Missouri.
US President Joe Biden called on the American public to support him in mounting pressure on Congress to place ban on assault weapons in the North American country.
