Court Asked to Stop INEC From Recognising Chinda as APC Rivers Guber Candidate

A political and legal dispute has intensified in Rivers State as a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeks to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising Kingsley Chinda as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.

Chinda, a known ally of Nyesom Wike, emerged as APC governorship candidate during the party’s Rivers primary held on May 21, 2026. He reportedly ran unopposed after other aspirants — including incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole and Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly — withdrew at the last minute.

The lawsuit, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, is seeking multiple orders against Chinda, INEC and other respondents, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to bar Chinda from participating in the governorship election on the grounds that his alleged defection from the People’s Democratic Party to the APC did not comply with constitutional provisions and Supreme Court interpretations on legislative defection.

Court documents also seek to prevent INEC from recognising his candidature, arguing that his participation in APC’s primaries violates provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

The suit further asks the court to direct the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare Chinda’s seat vacant and remove him as Minority Leader, citing alleged dual party membership as unconstitutional.

In addition, the plaintiffs are seeking an order compelling INEC to conduct a by-election to fill any resulting vacancy in his constituency.

The affidavit supporting the suit, deposed to by Jesse Amuga, claimed that Chinda’s continued legislative role while participating in APC governorship activities is “unconstitutional and contrary to democratic ethics and order.”

The group also referenced a pre-action notice issued to Chinda in October 2025, warning of a recall process if he defected, and said he ultimately proceeded with the defection in April 2026.

Although Chinda has already emerged as APC flagbearer in Rivers State, the ongoing case now places his candidacy under legal uncertainty as the court is expected to determine whether his nomination stands or violates constitutional and electoral provisions.