Rivers Politics Heats Up as Lawsuit Challenges Chinda’s Eligibility

The political drama in Rivers State has taken a fresh twist, as a Federal High Court in Abuja has been asked to stop Kingsley Chinda from contesting the 2027 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chinda, a close ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, emerged as the APC’s governorship candidate after a controversial primary held on May 21, 2026. He was the sole contender after last-minute withdrawals by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole and Alabo George-Kelly.

But his candidacy is now under legal threat.

A group of lawyers, including some from Chinda’s Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, has filed a suit challenging his eligibility. The plaintiffs argue that Chinda’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC did not follow due process as required by the Electoral Act 2026 and existing Supreme Court rulings.

The suit was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners on May 12, 2026.

Chinda currently serves as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives — a position tied to his PDP membership — raising questions about dual party affiliation.

The legal action seeks, among other things, to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising Chinda as the APC candidate. It also asks the court to compel the Speaker of the House of Representatives to remove him as Minority Leader and declare his seat vacant.

The plaintiffs are further demanding a bye-election to fill the seat, citing constitutional provisions on defection.

Also listed in the suit are INEC, the APC, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Although George-Kelly was also named in the suit over his alleged failure to resign a federal appointment before contesting, his withdrawal from the race shifts the spotlight squarely onto Chinda.

In their filing, the lawyers insist that allowing Chinda to retain his legislative seat while pursuing a governorship bid under a different party is “unlawful and contrary to democratic ethics.”

They also revealed that Chinda had earlier been served a pre-action notice warning of a possible recall by constituents if he defected from the PDP. Despite this, he reportedly switched parties in April 2026 — a move that triggered the current court battle.

With the case now before the court, Chinda’s governorship ambition hangs in the balance, adding another layer of uncertainty to Rivers State’s already tense political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.