RismadarVoice Reporters, June 3, 2026
A socio-political group, the Rivers Development Agenda (RDA), has said that the defection of former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has resolved controversies surrounding his eligibility to contest the party’s governorship primary in Rivers State.
The group stated this in a release issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday and signed by its spokesperson, Godpower Duke.
According to the RDA, Chinda’s formal defection, which it said took effect on April 23, 2026, confirms that he satisfied all legal and procedural requirements before participating in the APC governorship primary election.
The organisation noted that Chinda’s participation in the primary had earlier generated debate within political circles, with critics questioning whether he had properly exited the PDP before joining the APC contest.
However, the group maintained that the recent confirmation of his defection has now settled the matter and placed it beyond further controversy.
“The latest developments have vindicated the group’s position that due process was followed and that Chinda’s participation in the APC governorship primaries followed every known legal requirement,” the statement said.
It also argued that objections raised against the former Minority Leader were based on incomplete information, stressing that political disputes should be handled with restraint and factual accuracy.
The RDA further urged political actors and commentators to avoid attempts to discredit individuals and instead focus on issue-based engagement that strengthens democratic institutions.
“Political debates should be conducted within the bounds of civility, facts, and respect for differing opinions,” the group added.
Chinda, a prominent Rivers politician and long-serving lawmaker, represented Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and served as Minority Leader in the Ninth Assembly.
