A former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Owoseni, has pulled out of the Accord Party governorship primary in Oyo State, citing concerns over alleged political manipulation and the emergence of violence within the party.

Owoseni, who previously served as Security Adviser to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, announced his decision in a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday.

He said recent developments within the party had made it difficult for his governorship ambition to succeed on the Accord platform.

The former police commissioner also sympathised with victims of the recent terrorist attack in Ogbomoso, expressing condolences to families who lost loved ones and concern for those still being held captive.

According to him, addressing the security challenges facing Oyo State should be the priority at this time.

Explaining his decision to withdraw, Owoseni alleged that certain forces within the party were working to frustrate his governorship aspiration.

He claimed that the party's structure, particularly at the state level, had been infiltrated and manipulated by interests determined to maintain political control in the state. He also alleged that thuggery and violence were being deployed to destabilise the party and undermine the primary process.

Owoseni said the situation, alongside other concerns he intends to disclose later, left him with no option but to step away from the Accord Party.

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

He thanked his supporters for their loyalty and confidence in his vision, while appealing for their understanding as he reconsiders his political future.