The Police Public Relations Officer for Zone 13, Ukpo, ASP Chidera Oha, has denied allegations that the Zonal Police Command played any role in the leadership crisis within the Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on the matter, ASP Oha said the police do not interfere in party politics and should not be linked to the internal disputes of the APC. He described claims of police involvement as hearsay, stressing that there is no credible or circumstantial evidence connecting Zone 13 or any of its personnel to the allegations.
The denial follows accusations by members of the faction loyal to Senator Emma Anosike, who alleged that some security operatives were being used to influence the ongoing leadership tussle within the party.
The dispute intensified last Sunday after the faction led by Chief Ifeanyi Osegbo reportedly took control of the APC state secretariat, relying on a Federal High Court judgment obtained in Abuja, which it said affirmed its legitimacy as the party’s executive in Anambra State.
However, the Anosike-led faction claimed that operatives attached to Police Zone 13 facilitated the takeover despite the filing of an application for a stay of execution against the court judgment.
The faction further maintained that the Anambra State Police Command had earlier advised the Osegbo group to seek redress through the APC National Chairman and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), rather than requesting police intervention.
The group also alleged that some overzealous security operatives acted without the approval of their superior officers and called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the incident and sanction any officers found culpable.
Speaking on behalf of the Senator Emma Anosike-led executive, Mr. Bright Osemeka described the forceful entry into the party secretariat as unfortunate and unbecoming of APC members. He warned that the incident had further deepened the party’s internal crisis and could undermine ongoing efforts to restore unity and stability within the Anambra APC.
