A socio-political organisation, the Rivers Development Agenda, has said the recent defection of former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress has effectively resolved questions surrounding his eligibility to participate in the APC governorship primary election in Rivers State.
The group stated this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday and signed by its spokesperson, Godpower Duke.
According to the RDA, the public announcement and official acknowledgement of Chinda’s defection, which it said took effect on April 23, 2026, confirmed that the former federal lawmaker complied with all legal and political requirements before seeking the APC governorship ticket.
The issue of Chinda’s participation in the APC primary had generated debate in political circles, with some critics questioning whether he had formally severed ties with the PDP before contesting on the platform of the ruling party.
However, the group said the latest development has now put the matter beyond controversy.
“The latest developments have vindicated the group’s position that due process was followed and that Chinda’s participation in the APC governorship primaries followed every known legal requirement,” the statement said.
It also maintained that Chinda’s defection validates its earlier position that established procedures were observed throughout the process leading to his participation in the APC governorship contest.
It also criticised individuals who had challenged the former Minority Leader’s eligibility, arguing that many of the objections were made without full knowledge of the facts surrounding the matter.
According to the group, political disagreements should not degenerate into attempts to discredit individuals or undermine democratic institutions, particularly in the absence of judicial pronouncements.
“Political debates should be conducted within the bounds of civility, facts, and respect for differing opinions.
“We urge political actors, commentators, stakeholders and members of the public to focus on issue-based engagement and respect established institutions,” the statement added.
The organisation further called on Nigerians, political stakeholders and the media to exercise restraint and allow due process to take its course before drawing conclusions on politically sensitive matters.
It stressed that public discourse, especially on issues with legal and constitutional implications, should be anchored on verified facts, sound reasoning and a commitment to the collective interest of Rivers State and the country.
Chinda, a prominent figure in Rivers politics and a long-serving member of the House of Representatives, represented Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency for several terms and served as Minority Leader in the Ninth National Assembly. His recent move from the PDP to the APC is widely regarded as one of the significant political developments in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defection comes amid ongoing political realignments in Rivers and across the country, as parties and political actors intensify consultations and strategic positioning ahead of the next electoral cycle. The development has also fuelled renewed debate over party loyalty, internal democracy and the legal requirements governing participation in party primaries.
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