The phrase "divisive figure" means that someone or something causes disagreement or conflicts among people, often splitting them into opposing groups. Full definition
Both intelligent, hard - working, inspirational and driven, but also divisive figures in the progressive movement. (totalpolitics.com)
There may be no more divisive figure in American education. (educationnext.org)
However the two leading candidates (Clarke and Redwood) are both potentially very divisive figures who have not always acted in the best interests of the party. (conservativehome.blogs.com)