Ex-police chief Owoseni withdraws from Oyo Accord gov primary amid alleged party manipulation, violence

Fatai Owoseni, a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State and ex-Security Adviser to the Oyo State Governor, has withdrawn from the Accord Party's governorship primary in Oyo State. He announced his decision on Tuesday via his X handle, citing "orchestrated moves" within the party and escalating violence as key factors.

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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.

Owoseni stated that recent developments have made it impossible for his gubernatorial ambition to succeed on the Accord platform. He expressed sympathy for the victims of a recent terrorist attack in Ogbomoso, emphasizing that security challenges should be the primary focus of public discourse. "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 said.

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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.

The former police chief alleged that elements within the state have infiltrated and manipulated the party structure to maintain their hold on power. He also pointed to the emergence of thuggery and violence as tools used to destabilize the party and stall the primary process. "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," Owoseni stated.

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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.

Owoseni's withdrawal highlights internal party strife and broader security concerns within Oyo State. He indicated that further details would be revealed in due course, suggesting a complex political landscape within the Accord Party and the state.

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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.