Chinda Leaves PDP for APC, Steps Down as Minority Leader

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, has stepped down from his role. This ends nearly three years of leading opposition lawmakers in the 10th House.

Chinda, who represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in Rivers State for the Peoples Democratic Party, made his resignation known in a letter dated April 23, 2026. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read the letter on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

His resignation comes as political changes are happening in Rivers State. It also follows his recent appearance before the screening committee of the All Progressives Congress. He appeared alongside loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.

Though Chinda has not officially said he is leaving the PDP, his involvement in the APC screening has led to talks about his political future and a possible switch to the ruling party.

In his letter to the Speaker, Chinda thanked his colleagues for their support during his time as Minority Leader.

"It has been a profound honour and privilege to serve in this capacity, representing the collective interest of the minority caucus and contributing to the legislative work of the House. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked under your leadership and alongside distinguished colleagues in advancing democratic governance and national development," he wrote.

Chinda also reassured lawmakers that he would keep doing his job, despite stepping down from his leadership role.

"I remain fully committed to my duties as a member of the House and will continue to support the work of the legislature in every way possible. Please accept the assurances of my high esteem and continued regards," the letter added.

Chinda became Minority Leader when the 10th House was inaugurated in June 2023. This followed talks among opposition parties, mainly the PDP, which had the most seats among minority parties in the House. During his time, he played a key role in voicing the opposition's stance on important national issues like electoral reforms, constitutional changes, economic policies, and governance.

His resignation is a new twist in the ongoing political changes in Rivers State, where political alliances have shifted quite a bit in recent years.

Chinda has been a close ally of Wike, whose influence still affects the state's politics even after becoming Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Chinda's resignation is likely to start discussions among opposition lawmakers on who will be the new Minority Leader.

According to House rules, the position is usually filled by the minority party with the most seats and then communicated to House leadership.

With Chinda stepping back, the focus will probably turn to the PDP and other opposition parties. They will need to stay united in the minority caucus ahead of important legislative work and the upcoming elections.