Chinda Resigns as Minority Leader Amid Party Defections

Kingsley Chinda resigned from his position as minority leader of the House of Representatives on April 23, 2026, during a session led by Speaker Tajudeen Abba. His resignation marks a significant shift in the leadership of the opposition caucus in the 10th National Assembly, occurring amidst heightened political realignments across party lines.

Chinda, representing the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in Rivers State on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), although he has not formally declared his exit from the PDP. His resignation follows the APC's recent success in securing a governorship ticket in Rivers State for the 2027 elections.

Additionally, six members of the Oyo State caucus also defected from the PDP to the African People's Movement (APM), citing prolonged internal crises within the PDP. Other defections were noted from various states, including Katsina and Edo, indicating a broader trend of political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.