Former Commissioners of Police in Lagos and Benue States, Fatai Owoseni, yesterday said he withdrew from the governorship primary of the Accord Party in Oyo State due to undue infiltration by external forces and violence.

The retired Commissioner of Police, in a statement he personally signed, 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 Accord and would not participate in the party’s governorship primaries.

The statement read: “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 (Accord Party). I pray that the 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 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.

“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. However, in light of the responsibility I owe our teeming supporters, I’m constrained to avail myself of this time to announce my decision to rethink my political company and 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 via the platform of the Accord Party is not achieved. Even though I chose to ignore the initial signs, two things 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 to ensure that the entire process is stalemated.

“In light of the foregoing and some other issues that will be unveiled in due course, I’m 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 a greater good for a greater majority remains our focus. ‘Yiyo Ekun bi T’ojo ko’.

“To our supporters who have believed in this course 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.” (The Nation)

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