Fresh legal action has emerged against the emergence of Kingsley Chinda as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 election.
An Abuja Federal High Court has been asked to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising Chinda’s candidature over allegations linked to his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Lawyers Challenge Chinda’s APC Candidature
The suit was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners.
According to court documents, the group asked the court to stop Kingsley Chinda from participating in the APC governorship process and to prevent him from contesting the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.
The lawyers argued that Chinda’s move from the PDP to the APC allegedly failed to comply with constitutional provisions and electoral laws guiding lawmakers’ defections.
Chinda Emerged After Rivals Withdrew
Chinda emerged as the APC governorship candidate after other aspirants reportedly stepped down before the party’s primary election held on May 21, 2026.
Among those said to have withdrawn were Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole and Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly.
The development placed the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives at the centre of Rivers State’s growing political contest ahead of 2027.
Court Asked to Stop INEC Recognition
The plaintiffs asked the court to direct INEC not to recognise or validate the participation and nomination of Kingsley Chinda as APC governorship candidate pending the determination of the suit.
They also requested an order asking the Speaker of the House of Representatives to remove Chinda as Minority Leader and declare his seat vacant over alleged dual party membership.
According to the suit, the request is based on Section 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution and previous Supreme Court decisions on legislative defections.
Group Cites Constitutional Concerns
In an affidavit attached to the suit, the association claimed Chinda’s continued stay in the House of Representatives while allegedly participating in APC activities was inconsistent with constitutional provisions.
The group further stated that some lawyers from Chinda’s constituency had earlier issued a pre-action notice warning against his alleged defection from the PDP.
George-Kelly Also Mentioned in Suit
The lawsuit also mentioned former APC aspirant Alabo George-Kelly.
The plaintiffs claimed he failed to resign from his position as Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency before contesting, as allegedly required for political appointees seeking elective office.
However, George-Kelly later withdrew from the APC governorship primary before the emergence of Kingsley Chinda as APC governorship candidate.
Political Tension Continues in Rivers
The latest court action adds another layer to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
With the 2027 election drawing closer, the legal challenge could influence the APC’s governorship plans and shape political alignments in the state.