Hon. Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, has resigned his position as leader of the minority caucus, bringing to an end nearly three years of leading opposition lawmakers in the 10th House.
Chinda, who represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, announced his resignation in a letter dated April 23, 2026, which was read on the floor of the House on Tuesday by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
His resignation comes amid growing political realignments in Rivers State and weeks after he appeared before the screening committee of the All Progressives Congress alongside other loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Although Chinda has yet to publicly announce his departure from the PDP, his participation in the APC screening process has sparked conjecture about his political future and potential defection to the ruling party.
In the letter to the speaker, the congressman thanked his colleagues for their support while he was minority leader.
“It has been a profound honor 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,” he wrote.
Chinda also assured that he would continue to discharge his legislative responsibilities despite relinquishing his leadership role.
“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,” the letter added.
Chinda was elected Minority Leader at the 10th House’s inauguration in June 2023 after negotiations with opposition parties, particularly the PDP, which had the most seats among minority parties in the legislature.
During his tenure, he was instrumental in defining opposition MPs’ positions on critical national issues such as electoral reform, constitutional amendments, economic policies, and governance.
His departure is the latest development in Rivers State’s ongoing political reconfiguration, which has seen alliances alter dramatically recently.
Chinda has remained one of Wike’s key political colleagues, and his influence continues to affect the state’s political scene despite his position as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The departure is expected to spark discussions among opposition legislators about the selection of a new minority leader.
According to House convention, the minority party with the most seats typically nominates the person for the position, which is then transmitted to the House leadership.
With Chinda’s resignation, attention will likely move to the PDP and other opposition parties as they seek to retain cohesion within the minority caucus ahead of critical legislative engagements and the next electoral cycle.
