House of Reps Minority Leader Defects to APC

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, has resigned his position and defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His defection was announced by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday.

Chinda, a political ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, recently secured the APC governorship ticket for Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.

He emerged as the party’s candidate following the withdrawal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole, and George Kelly from the race.

Abbas also announced the defections of 12 other lawmakers and the reasons behind their decisions.

Among the defectors was Gaza, who moved from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party (LP), with the switch taking effect in May 2026.

Alex Ehnona also announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assuring colleagues that his loyalty and commitment to the House remained unwavering despite the change in party affiliation.

In what was described as his second party switch within three weeks, Esosa Iyawo moved from the APC to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The lawmaker cited irreconcilable differences within the Edo State chapter of the APC and the party’s failure to address members’ concerns. He also withdrew an earlier letter dated May 12, 2026, while reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles.

Sani Lawal formally left the APC, effective May 4, explaining that the move was intended to reposition himself to better serve his constituents.

Similarly, Shehu Tafoki defected from the APC to the PDP after what he described as careful reflection and broad consultations aimed at enhancing service delivery to his people.

The House also recorded a significant exodus from the PDP in Oyo State, with six lawmakers joining the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Adebayo Adepoju, Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Ojo Sunday, Najeem Oyedeji, Folajimi Oyekunle, and Abbas Adigun attributed their decisions to the PDP’s lingering leadership crisis, internal divisions, unresolved disputes, and legal battles.

Etanebene Benedict, who defected from the Labour Party, has joined the PDP. He attributed his decision to the dissolution of the party’s executive structure, which he said left members without recognised officials to engage with during the nomination process.

Auwalu Gwalabe, a lawmaker from Bauchi State, also announced his departure from the PDP to the APM, effective May 4.