A leadership meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State was thrown into disarray on Monday after disagreements over participation sparked tension at the residence of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun.
The gathering, scheduled to take place at Odigie-Oyegun’s home in the Government Reservation Area of Benin City, was intended to bring together key stakeholders of the party. However, the atmosphere quickly turned tense when several prominent members who arrived for the meeting were reportedly denied entry.
Eyewitnesses said the situation created visible friction among party faithful, particularly those who claimed they were not informed that attendance would be restricted. The disagreement deepened existing cracks within the state chapter of the ADC, with some members expressing concern over what they described as a lack of inclusiveness in party affairs.
Operatives of the Edo State Police Command were eventually deployed to the residence to prevent the situation from escalating. After brief discussions with aggrieved party leaders gathered outside the premises, security personnel were able to restore calm and persuade them to disperse peacefully.
Among those reportedly denied access were former Senate Chief Whip, Rowland Owie; party stalwart and financier, Sunny Aguebor; and national leader of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Douglas Iyike, alongside other party figures. Sources indicated that upon arrival, they were informed that their names were not included on the official guest list for the meeting.
The exclusion reportedly angered the affected members, who remained at the entrance of the residence for some time before law enforcement officers intervened.
Addressing journalists at the scene, Owie criticized the manner in which the meeting was organized, alleging that long-standing members of the party were being sidelined. He maintained that those barred from attending were among the pioneers who laid the foundation of the ADC in Edo State and had worked tirelessly to expand its presence, particularly in Edo South Senatorial District.
Owie further revealed that earlier attempts to convene senatorial meetings had been postponed repeatedly, raising questions about the coordination and direction of the party’s activities in the state.
He also challenged Odigie-Oyegun’s contribution to strengthening the ADC’s grassroots structures, alleging that individuals without established party credentials were being invited to strategic deliberations while loyal members were left out.
Calling for urgent intervention, Owie urged the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress to step in and resolve the dispute before it deepens internal divisions. He warned that unresolved tensions could undermine party unity and weaken its political structure ahead of future engagements in Edo State.
The incident has intensified conversations about internal democracy and cohesion within the ADC’s Edo chapter, with observers noting that how the leadership handles the dispute may determine the party’s stability and prospects in the state.
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