The crisis rocking the Edo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has escalated dramatically, with tensions rising following an attack on the residence of former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, in his reaction to the incident, expressed sympathy with ADC members and condemned the development.

He advised the party to avoid external accusations, suggesting that the conflict appears rooted in internal disagreements.

The tension reportedly began when several party leaders — including former Senate Chief Whip Rowland Owie, party financier Sunny Aguebor, and Douglas Iyike of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) — were denied access to a meeting scheduled to hold at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.

The former governor convened the meeting and presented a list of invited attendees at the gate, excluding several statutory and founding members. The development angered the affected leaders and their supporters, who reportedly gathered at the entrance of the compound in protest.

Speaking to journalists, Owie urged the national leadership of the ADC to call Odigie-Oyegun to order, accusing him of sidelining founding members while allegedly inviting non-members to key meetings.

“We that are here are founding members of the ADC. We were supposed to have a meeting today, but Chief John Oyegun, who has not done anything to support the party in this state, is calling non-members to a meeting and excluding statutory members,” Owie said.

He further alleged that scheduled senatorial meetings had been repeatedly postponed and questioned Odigie-Oyegun’s contribution to party growth in Edo State.

“We have been across the state raising members for the party. Ask him how many people he has attracted,” he added.

Owie also drew parallels with Odigie-Oyegun’s tenure as national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that party leaders should no longer tolerate what he described as disrespect toward those building the party.