Chinda quits PDP for APC, Resigns from House Minority Leader Role

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, has stepped down from his position in the Green Chamber as political realignments continue to reshape the landscape in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chinda, who represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State, announced his resignation from the leadership position through a letter that was read during plenary on Tuesday by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. His decision brought to an end nearly three years of leading opposition lawmakers in the 10th House of Representatives.

The development comes amid growing indications that the lawmaker is aligning with the All Progressives Congress. Although he has not publicly declared his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party, his recent appearance before the APC screening committee alongside political associates of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has fueled reports of an impending defection.

In his resignation letter, Chinda expressed gratitude to members of the House for the support and cooperation he received while serving as Minority Leader. He also appreciated the opportunity to work with fellow lawmakers and contribute to legislative activities in the chamber.

Despite leaving the leadership position, the Rivers lawmaker assured colleagues that he would continue carrying out his responsibilities as a member of the House and remain committed to legislative duties.

Chinda emerged as Minority Leader shortly after the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023 following consultations among opposition parties. At the time, the PDP held the largest number of seats among minority parties in the House, making it eligible to nominate the occupant of the position.

Throughout his tenure, he served as one of the leading voices of the opposition, taking part in debates and discussions on major national issues, including governance, constitutional reforms, electoral matters and economic policies.

His resignation is being viewed as another major development in Rivers State politics, where shifting alliances and changing loyalties have continued to attract attention in recent months. Chinda has long been regarded as one of the prominent allies of Wike, whose political influence remains strong within the state.

With his exit from the minority leadership role, attention is expected to turn to opposition lawmakers as consultations begin on who will succeed him. By parliamentary convention, the minority party with the highest number of seats is responsible for nominating a candidate for the position before forwarding the decision to the House leadership.

The latest development is also expected to deepen discussions about the future of opposition politics in the House of Representatives as parties prepare for upcoming political activities ahead of the next election cycle.