A former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has withdrawn from the Accord Party (A) governorship primary in Oyo State.
Owoseni, a former Security Adviser to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, cited alleged manipulation of the party structure and rising violence within the party as reasons for his decision.
He announced his withdrawal in a statement posted on his 𝕏 handle on Tuesday.
Owoseni said recent developments in the party had made it difficult for his governorship ambition to succeed on the Accord platform.
“I speak with a heavy but resolute heart, and greet the good people of Oyo State as well as the members and teeming supporters of our party, the Accord Party,” he said.
He also sympathised with victims of the recent terrorist attack in Ogbomoso and their families.
“First, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of our people who were victims of the recent terrorist attack in Ogbomoso.
“I commiserate deeply with the families of those who were gruesomely murdered during the attack. I cannot imagine the fear, pain, and uncertainty hanging in the day-to-day activities of the families of those still in captivity,” he stated.
‘Security Should Dominate Discourse’
The former police commissioner said the security situation in the state should be the major issue of public concern.
“I am not oblivious to the fact that during this difficult period, nothing should be worthy of discussion in the public space other than finding a solution to our security challenges,” he added.
Explaining his withdrawal, Owoseni alleged that some developments within the party pointed to a plan to frustrate his governorship ambition.
Owoseni further stated, “However, in light of the responsibility I owe our teeming supporters, I’m constrained to avail myself of this time to announce my decision to rethink my political company and association with the Accord Party.
“Within the past twelve hours, ongoing developments in the party point to orchestrated plans to ensure that our gubernatorial aspiration via the platform of the Accord Party is not achieved.”
Owoseni accused unnamed political interests of infiltrating and manipulating the party structure, especially at the state level.
He alleged, “The first is the total infiltration and manipulation of the party structure, especially at the state level, by elements within the state who will go to any lengths to ensure that perpetuity in government is sustained.
“Secondly, thuggery and violence are emerging as instruments to destabilise the party to ensure that the entire process is stalemated.”
Owoseni said the developments forced him to withdraw from the party.
“In light of the foregoing and some other issues that will be unveiled in due course, I’m compelled to withdraw and step aside from the Accord Party,” he said.
He, however, assured supporters that his commitment to the development of Oyo State remained unchanged.
“I would like to assure our teeming supporters and the good people of Oyo State that the quest for a greater good for a greater majority remains our focus.
“To our supporters who have believed in this course since its inception, I offer my heartfelt gratitude. Your trust has been a source of strength, and I ask for your understanding at this moment,” he added.