Confusion erupted in the House of Representatives on Tuesday after Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read a letter announcing the defection of Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development comes months after Chinda had already emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, raising questions over the timing of the official announcement on the floor of the House.
The defection letter, which was read by the Speaker during plenary, was dated April 23, 2026.
Following the formal announcement of his defection, Chinda resigned from his position as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.
The move has further fueled debate over the circumstances surrounding his switch of political allegiance, particularly as he is already facing a lawsuit challenging the process of his defection from the PDP to the APC.
The suit reportedly questions whether the transition complied with constitutional and party requirements governing the movement of elected lawmakers between political parties.
The announcement generated reactions among lawmakers, with many observers expressing surprise that the official declaration was coming after Chinda had already secured the APC governorship ticket in Rivers State.
His resignation now leaves the minority caucus without a substantive leader.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is expected to commence the process of electing a new Minority Leader to fill the vacancy created by Chinda’s departure.
The development marks a significant political shift within the lower chamber and could have implications for the balance of opposition leadership in the National Assembly ahead of future political contests.
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