The Speaker of the House of Representatives on Tuesday read a letter announcing the defection of the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection letter, however, was dated April 23, 2026.
Following the announcement, Chinda resigned his position as Minority Leader of the House.
A close ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Chinda recently secured the APC governorship ticket in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 election.
He emerged as the party’s candidate after Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole and George Kelly withdrew from the race. Although he was the sole aspirant, party members turned out in large numbers and queued to affirm his candidacy.
The House also recorded several other defections.
Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, representing Ibarapa North Federal Constituency of Oyo State, defected from the PDP to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Adedeji Stanley Olajide, who represents Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, and Makanjuola Sunday Ojo of Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere Federal Constituency also left the PDP for the APM.
Similarly, Najimdeen Oyeshina Oyedeji, representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency; Folajimi Oyekunle, representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency; and Abass Adekunle Adigun, representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, all defected from the PDP to the APM.
Also joining the APM from the PDP was Auwalu Abdu Gwalabe, representing Katagum Federal Constituency of Bauchi State.
Meanwhile, Etanabene Benedict, representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
