By Adesakin Adefemi
Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni has withdrawn from the Accord Party governorship primary in Oyo State, citing alleged manipulation of the party structure and rising violence.
Owoseni, who also served as Security Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde, announced his decision on Tuesday in a statement posted on his X handle. He said recent developments within the party had made it impossible for his aspiration to succeed on the Accord platform.
The retired police commissioner said he was stepping aside “with a heavy but resolute heart” after observing what he described as orchestrated plans to frustrate his gubernatorial bid. He accused unnamed political interests of infiltrating the party to maintain control of government in the state.
Owoseni pointed to two main issues behind his withdrawal. He alleged the total infiltration and manipulation of the party structure at the state level, and said thuggery and violence were emerging as tools to destabilize the party and stalemate the process.
He expressed sympathy for victims of a recent terrorist attack in Ogbomoso, saying his thoughts were with families who lost loved ones and those still in captivity. Owoseni noted that security challenges should dominate public discourse at this time.
“Nothing should be worthy of discussion in the public space other than finding a solution to our security challenges,” he said, adding that his decision was also driven by responsibility to his supporters.
Despite withdrawing, Owoseni assured supporters that his commitment to Oyo State’s development remained unchanged. He said the quest for “a greater good for a greater majority” would continue to guide his political involvement.
He thanked supporters for their trust and asked for their understanding at this moment. Owoseni said more details on his decision would be made public in due course.
The withdrawal leaves the Accord Party’s governorship primary in Oyo State open to other aspirants as the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum.
