A former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has withdrawn from the Accord Party governorship primary in Oyo State, citing alleged manipulation of the party structure and rising violence within the party.
Owoseni, a former Security Adviser to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced his withdrawal in a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday.
He said recent developments within the party had made it difficult for his governorship ambition to continue on the Accord Party platform.
“I speak with a heavy but resolute heart, and greet the good people of Oyo State as well as members and supporters of the Accord Party,” he said.
He also sympathised with victims of a recent attack in Ogbomoso, describing the incident as painful and distressing.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected by the recent terrorist attack in Ogbomoso. I commiserate deeply with the families of those who were killed,” he said.
Owoseni noted that the ongoing security situation in the state should ordinarily remain the priority of public discussion.
Explaining his withdrawal, he alleged that internal party developments were being orchestrated to frustrate his governorship ambition.
“Within the past twelve hours, ongoing developments in the party point to orchestrated plans to ensure that our gubernatorial aspiration via the Accord Party is not achieved,” he stated.
He further accused unnamed interests of infiltrating and manipulating the party structure at the state level, as well as using violence to destabilise the process.
“Elements within the state are determined to ensure control is maintained at all costs. Secondly, thuggery and violence are being used to destabilise the party process,” he alleged.
Owoseni said these developments forced his decision to step down from the party.
“In light of the foregoing, I am compelled to withdraw and step aside from the Accord Party,” he said.
He, however, assured his supporters that his commitment to the development of Oyo State remained unchanged, thanking them for their continued support and trust.
