The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, has resigned from his leadership position after formally defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (Peoples Democratic Party) to the All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress).
His defection was announced on Tuesday during plenary after the Speaker of the House read a letter dated April 23, 2026, notifying lawmakers of his decision. Following the announcement, Chinda stepped down as Minority Leader.
Chinda’s exit from the PDP and his assumption of an APC ticket for the Rivers State governorship election ahead of 2027 has triggered political debate within legislative and party circles, particularly over the timing of his political moves.
Controversy has centered on reports that Chinda participated in and secured the APC governorship ticket while still formally listed as a member of the PDP. Critics within political circles have questioned the alignment of his party status at the time of the primary process, describing it as a breach of internal party expectations regarding eligibility and loyalty.
He emerged as the APC governorship candidate following the withdrawal of key aspirants, including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole, and George Kelly. With their exit, the contest narrowed significantly, leading to a largely uncontested affirmation process in which party members endorsed his candidacy.
Chinda is widely regarded as a political ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose influence has remained central in Rivers State political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
