27/08/2025
REJOINDER
Setting the Records Straight on the History of APC in Esan North East, Edo State
This rejoinder is issued by individuals who were living witnesses to the developments in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Esan North East from the very beginning.
Recently, some misleading claims have been circulated regarding the history of APC in Esan North East, Edo State, and the contributions of certain politicians. For the record, two key issues require clarification:
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1. The True Pioneers of APC (then AC/ACN) in Uromi
It is both misleading and laughable that some people now claim that the rise of APC in Esan North East—particularly Uromi—was driven solely by a few individuals, including one Adima, who was merely a local government appointee of the then Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
To set the record straight: the true pioneers of the Action Congress (AC) in Uromi included, but were not limited to, the following:
• Elder Honourable Philip Olumese – First Director General of the Grace Group, former Honourable Commissioner in Edo State, and the first party leader in Esan North East when AC was formed.
• Theophilus Afuda
• Sam Oboh and Alex Ojeagba – both candidates for the Edo State House of Assembly elections in 2007 (the same election year Adams Oshiomhole contested for governorship under AC, which he initially lost before reclaiming victory through the courts).
These pioneers endured untold hardship and even danger at that time, as Uromi was a stronghold of the PDP and supporting another party was regarded almost as an abomination.
In 2009, Honourable Chris Ebare and his large following joined the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Chris Ebare later emerged as the candidate for the Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency in the 2011 general elections. Despite heavy rigging by PDP, his campaign shook the political landscape and forced PDP onto the defensive.
Although he narrowly lost, his performance was so impactful that Governor Oshiomhole immediately appointed him as Honourable Commissioner for Budget, Planning, and Economic Development in June 2011, effectively establishing him as the de facto leader of APC in Esan North East.
Also notable is Chief Robert Okoinemen (Oduma), whom Chris Ebare personally introduced to politics and who later became Caretaker Chairman of Esan North East under Oshiomhole’s administration, representing Uzea Kingdom.
From 2009 onward, Chris Ebare and his allies built on the foundation laid by the earlier pioneers, galvanized the party’s growth, and delivered outstanding results. This effort culminated in Oshiomhole’s overwhelming victory in Esan North East during his second-term election in 2012. Importantly, Chris Ebare served as the Chairman of the Campaign Council for Esan North East in that election and delivered impeccably.
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2. How Anselm Adima Became Caretaker Chairman of Esan North East
Another misleading claim concerns the appointment of Anselm Adima as Caretaker Chairman of Esan North East in May 2011. The truth is this:
Following Chris Ebare’s narrow loss in the 2011 elections, there was strong discontent within the party, and Chief Robert Okoinemen (Oduma), then Caretaker Chairman, was removed by Governor Oshiomhole.
It was Honourable Chris Ebare who personally introduced Anselm Adima to Victor Eboigbe and Governor Oshiomhole for the Caretaker Chairmanship position. Neither Oshiomhole nor Eboigbe knew Adima beforehand. Adima was at that time a staunch member of Chris Ebare’s camp, always by his side and deeply involved in the political activities of 2011.
Adima, who had returned from the UK to join politics, was first introduced to Chris Ebare by Gabriel Ewah (a top member of Ebare’s camp at the time). He quickly became Ebare’s right-hand man. During the 2011 elections, Chris Ebare contested for the Federal House of Representatives ticket (which he won), while Adima contested for the Edo State House of Assembly but lost the primaries to Addeh Isibor. Both men campaigned together every single day throughout the election period.
After the elections, when Okoinemen was removed, it was Chris Ebare who presented Anselm Adima for appointment as Caretaker Chairman—a fact that remains verifiable.
Furthermore, Chris Ebare played a highly instrumental role in the election of Honourable Sam Oboh as Executive Chairman of Esan North East in 2013 (during Oshiomhole’s second term, when Ebare was serving as Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources). Sam Oboh himself still acknowledges this role today.
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Conclusion
Everything stated here can be verified from those who were directly involved. For further confirmation, one may consult notable members of Chris Ebare’s political structure at the time, including:
1. Gabriel Ewah – later joined PDP and was elected councillor under Governor Obaseki.
2. Ambrose Ayewo – until recently, APC Local Government Secretary for Esan North East, now MD of Edo State Rural Access Road Agency (EDSRARA).
3. Godwin (alias Uwangue).
Others include Mike Anetor, Magdalene Ogbebulu, among others.
It is both proper and decent for individuals to acknowledge their political roots. As the saying goes: he who is faithful in little will also be faithful in much.
