Kingsley Chinda Steps Down as House Minority Leader

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, has officially resigned from his role, ending his time as the leader of the opposition in the green chamber. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced Chinda’s resignation letter during the plenary session on Tuesday. The letter, dated April 23, 2026, stated that Chinda was stepping down with immediate effect.

“I write to formally tender my resignation from the position of Minority Leader of the House of Representatives with effect from the date herein, being the 23rd day of April 2026,” the letter said. “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,” he added.

Chinda expressed gratitude towards the Speaker and his fellow lawmakers for their support during his time in office. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked under your leadership and alongside distinguished colleagues in advancing democratic governance and national development,” he mentioned.

The lawmaker from Rivers State assured everyone that he would continue to fulfill his responsibilities as a member of the legislature. “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,” he said.

Interestingly, Chinda's resignation letter did not mention any change of political party, despite many media reports suggesting he might leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This news comes amid ongoing political shifts in Rivers State and rising speculation about the future political paths of several federal lawmakers from the area.

Daily Trust reports that Chinda met with the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee in Abuja on May 10, 2026. This meeting raised more questions about his potential exit from the PDP. It also opened doors for Chinda as a strong candidate for the APC governorship ticket in Rivers State. This follows the strategic withdrawal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole, and George Kelly from the race.