Former Commissioner of Police in Lagos and Benue States, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), has picked up the expression of interest and nomination forms of the Accord Party to contest the governorship of Oyo State in the 2027 elections. He obtained the forms at the party's secretariat in Yemetu, Ibadan, over the weekend.
Resignation and New Political Path
Owoseni recently resigned from his positions as Special Adviser on Security and Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF) under Governor Seyi Makinde's administration. His move to the Accord Party marks a significant shift in his political career.
Vision for Oyo State
Addressing party executives and members, Owoseni outlined his vision to restore the state to its former glory, reminiscent of the Western Region's development under the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He emphasized the need for self-sustenance and improved living standards for citizens.
"This state can be self-sustaining; I am telling you that. Life can be better for our people. That is why I keep talking about the greatest good for the greatest number of people," Owoseni stated.
He highlighted the achievements of the Western Region during Awolowo's era, noting that it contributed more revenue than other regions. He questioned why similar progress cannot be made today, especially in uplifting civil servants and improving public schools to make private schools a choice rather than a necessity.
"Governor Makinde has tried, and we must sustain that continuity. It is only through continuity that you can truly grow the state and make it regain the pride it once held, not only in the Western Region but across Nigeria," he added.
Call for Diaspora Engagement
Owoseni also urged Nigerians living abroad to return home and contribute to the development of the country. He stressed that his decision to run for governor is driven by a desire to add value to the developmental strides of previous administrations and to continue serving humanity.
"To me, I keep saying that my decision to join politics is being driven by the need for value addition and continuous service to humanity. The 35 years of my life that I spent in the police were about service to humanity. And in retirement, which is almost seven years now, I have remained here, being true to the state and where I come from, my state of birth, to bring back all those things we have done in so many other places," he explained.
He acknowledged that some people question his political ambitions, given his police background, but he dismissed the notion that politics is inherently dirty. "It is not as if politics is dirty. Some people in politics are dirty, and they make it look as if politics itself is dirty. But it is you who should impact wherever you are; it is not the environment that should impact you," he concluded.
