Tension rises in Edo ADC as founding members are shut out of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun’s meeting, prompting calls for national intervention

Tension has escalated within the Edo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as several senior party leaders were excluded from a meeting at the residence of the party’s National Leader and former governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

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Among those reportedly shut out were former Chief Whip of the Senate, Sir Rowland Owie; founding party financier Sunny Aguebor; and Douglas Iyike, a national leader of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). The excluded members arrived at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence only to be shown a restricted guest list.

Angered by the exclusion, the leaders briefly took control of the compound’s entrance until police officers, reportedly dispatched from the Edo State Command, intervened and mediated the situation.

Senator Owie told journalists the national leadership of the party should intervene. “We are founding members of the ADC. Today’s meeting was supposed to include statutory members, but Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is calling non-members and excluding those who have built the party. Enough is enough,” he said.

Owie accused Odigie-Oyegun of repeating behaviours from his tenure as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that the former governor has consistently delayed and blocked meetings while failing to attract grassroots support in Edo South.

In response, Chief Odigie-Oyegun stated he was still engaged in a leadership meeting and would address the allegations once the session concluded.

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The incident highlights internal friction within the Edo ADC and raises questions about leadership transparency and inclusivity ahead of future party activities.