Agbonayinma, a former member of the House of Representatives, had initially declared his intention to contest the election when he visited the state secretariat in October 2023, making him the first aspirant to officially inform the APC leadership.

Addressing his supporters and party members in the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Agbonayinma expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received during his campaign. However, the tragic loss of his son has left him in deep grief and a state of emotional distress, prompting the suspension of his gubernatorial campaign.

He stated, “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.”

Agbonayinma urged his supporters to stay united and lend their support to whoever emerges as the party's flagbearer in the upcoming primary election on Saturday.

In this difficult time, he thanked his supporters for their "overwhelming moral, financial, and spiritual support in my journey so far." The tragedy has cast a shadow over the political landscape, emphasizing the personal toll that such events can take even in the midst of a political race.