Tension broke out in Edo State on Monday after a leadership meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) turned chaotic at the residence of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

Naija News reports that the meeting, which was planned to hold at his home in the Government Reservation Area, reportedly caused division within the party after some senior members were not allowed to take part.

Police officers from the Edo State Command later arrived at the scene to calm the situation.

Some party leaders who had gathered at the entrance of the residence were said to be unhappy over their exclusion.

After a short standoff, security operatives persuaded them to leave peacefully.

Those who were refused entry included former Senate Chief Whip, Sir Rowland Owie; party chieftain and financier, Sunny Aguebor; and national leader of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Douglas Iyike, along with others.

Reports have it that the affected members were informed on arrival that their names were not on the list of invited participants.

The development led to visible tension as they remained outside the residence before the police stepped in.

Speaking to journalists at the scene, Owie accused Odigie-Oyegun of sidelining long-standing party members.

He said the excluded individuals were among the founding members of the party in the state and had been actively working to grow its membership, especially in Edo South.

Owie also claimed that previous senatorial meetings had been postponed several times.

He questioned the role Odigie-Oyegun had played in strengthening the party in Edo State and alleged that individuals who are not recognised members were being invited to key meetings.

He further called on the national leadership of the ADC to address the matter and prevent further division within the party.

According to him, the situation should not be allowed to continue, as it could weaken the party’s structure in the state.