Why I Withdrew From Oyo Accord Governorship Primaries — Ex-CP Owoseni

Former Commissioner of Police in Lagos and Benue states, Fatai Owoseni, on Tuesday, said he withdrew from the Accord Party governorship primaries in Oyo State because of an infiltration by external forces and violence.

The retired Commissioner of Police, in a personally signed statement, said he needed to take the critical decision to preserve the ideals he had worked for over the years.

In the statement titled, “On the Cusp of a Critical Juncture,” the retired CP said he was rethinking his association with the Accord Party and would not participate in the party’s governorship primaries.

He said, “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. I pray that Almighty Allah grants us the grace to witness the forthcoming Eid al-Kabir in good health.

“First, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of our people who were victims of the recent terrorist attack in Ogbomoso. I deeply commiserate with the families of those who were gruesomely murdered during the attack. I cannot imagine the fear, pain, and uncertainty hanging over the day-to-day activities of the families of those still in captivity.

“I am not oblivious to the fact that during this difficult period, nothing should occupy public discourse other than finding solutions to our security challenges. However, in light of the responsibility I owe our teeming supporters, I am constrained to use this opportunity to announce my decision to rethink my political 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 on the platform of the Accord Party is not realised. Even though I initially chose to ignore the warning signs, two developments have now compelled us to pause and take decisive action.

“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 and ensure that the entire process is stalemated.

“In light of the foregoing and some other issues that will be unveiled in due course, I am compelled to withdraw and step aside from the Accord Party.

“I would like to assure our teeming supporters and the good people of Oyo State that the quest for the greater good of the greater majority remains our focus. ‘Yiyo Ekun bi T’ojo ko.’

“To our supporters who have believed in this cause 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 said

Ends.