Owoseni Dumps Accord Guber Race, Alleges Party Hijack and Rising Violence in Oyo

Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has withdrawn from the Accord Party governorship primary in Oyo State, citing alleged manipulation of the party structure and increasing violence within the party.

Owoseni, who also served as Security Adviser to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced his withdrawal in a statement shared on his X handle on Tuesday.

The former police chief said recent developments within the party had made it impossible for his governorship ambition to survive under the Accord Party platform.

Speaking on his decision, Owoseni said he was stepping aside “with a heavy but resolute heart,” while addressing supporters and residents of Oyo State.

He also expressed sympathy for victims of the recent terrorist attack in Ogbomoso, describing the killings and abductions as heartbreaking.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of our people who were victims of the recent terrorist attack in Ogbomoso,” he stated, lamenting the pain and uncertainty faced by families of those killed and kidnapped.

Owoseni stressed that the worsening security situation in the state should remain the major concern of political leaders and citizens.

According to him, there have been deliberate efforts within the Accord Party to frustrate his governorship aspiration.

“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,” he alleged.

The former commissioner further accused unnamed political actors of infiltrating and manipulating the party structure to maintain political control in the state.

He also alleged that violence and thuggery were being deployed to destabilise the party and stall the primary process.

“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,” he said.

Owoseni maintained that the developments forced him to rethink his political association with the party and ultimately withdraw from the race.

Despite his exit, he assured supporters that his commitment to the progress and development of Oyo State remains unwavering.