Court Orders INEC to Produce Documents on Chinda's Candidacy

A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to produce documents concerning the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Rivers State. This order was issued in response to an application by Samuel Amatonjie, who is contesting the eligibility of Kingsley Chinda, the APC governorship candidate, following Chinda's defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Amatonjie is requesting certified true copies of the APC membership register submitted to INEC on April 20, 2026, and the party's notification letter regarding its primaries. The court also subpoenaed the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Clerk to the National Assembly for certified copies of the House Hansard from April to June 2, 2026.

The case raises questions about Chinda's eligibility under Sections 68 and 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution. The hearing is set for December 10, 2026, after the parties requested time to review documents related to jurisdiction objections.