Top All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant for the Edo State governorship race, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma has withdrawn from the race following the shooting and death of his son Michael, on Sunday 7 January, in Houston Texas, USA.
Agbonayinma, a former House of Representative member [APC, Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Constituency, 2015-2019] made the announcement of his exit from the race on Thursday while speaking to the press.
His son, Michael was buried on January 17 in Houston.
Michael Agbonayinma, better known by his stage name Zuwa is a songwriter-musician and along with his brother, Rodney – with stage name Row, formed the music group “Roze“, which shot to the U.S. music limelight in 2016 with their hit song “The Whole Night”.
The circumstances of his murder have not been fully unraveled, but it’s known an unknown shooter shot him point blank, killing him.
In honour of his passing, the U.S. flag at the Capitol was flown on half mast on January 12 and a U.S. Congresswoman, Sheila Jackson Lee penned the following moving message for the family; “I’m saddened to hear about the recent passing of your loved one…No one can prepare you for times like this, but you can take comfort in knowing that he is now resting in the arms of the Lord. When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us”.
Addressing party members and supporters at his Ikpoba-Okha home in Edo on Thursday, Agbonayinma said he was still too devastated and not in the right frame of mind to engage in a political contest.
“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 said.
He said although he received “positive reception” and “overwhelming” support for his aspiration, he was withdrawing and calling on his supporters to stay united and back whoever emerges as the party’s candidate in the state elections.
APC primary is scheduled for Saturday 17 February and the governorship election, September 21, 2024.
Agbonayinma’s exit leaves the race open for other 12 party contenders including Prince Clem Agba, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Lucky Imasuen, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Col. David Imuse (Rtd.), Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd.), Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Dennis Idahosa etc.
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