The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State in the 2027 general elections, Hon Kingsley Chinda has finally resigned as minority leader of the House of Representatives.

Chinda, who is a close ally of the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike announced his resignation in a letter read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas at yesterday’s plenary session. Chinda, in the letter addressed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, dated April 23, 2026, said his resignation took effect from the 23rd day of April 2026.

He said: “It has been a profound honour and privilege to serve in this capacity, representing the collective interest of the Minority Caucus and contributing to the legislative work of the House.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked under your leadership and alongside distinguished colleagues in advancing democratic governance and national development.

“I remain fully committed to my duties as a member of the House and will continue to support the work of the legislature in every way possible. Please accept the assurances of my high esteem and continued regards.” Chinda’s letter was, however, silent on his defection to the APC.

Chinda, who had been the minority leader since 2023, unceremoniously withdrew his services and ceased functioning as the minority leader a few weeks before the House went on Sallah recess but did not announce his defection to the APC.

New Telegraph had earlier reported that the emergence of Chinda as the APC candidate coupled with the defection of two other members of the minority leadership threw open a scramble for positions in the hierarchy of the minority caucus.

As of today, the Deputy Minority Whip, Hon George Ozodinobi, is the only representative of opposition parties in the House leadership as new leaders are yet to be elected. Meanwhile, 13 lawmakers in the House yesterday announced their defections across different political parties.