The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially acknowledged that former House of Representatives Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda is a bonafide member of the party. This confirmation comes amid widespread speculation regarding his reported defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his involvement in the APC’s governorship screening process.
Chibuike Ikenga, the APC’s Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, made this known while fielding questions about Chinda’s entry into the governorship race under the APC banner. Chinda’s emergence as an aspirant on the APC platform has generated significant buzz, particularly given his recent prominence in the PDP and his role as Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.
Addressing the controversy in an interview with Daily Post, Ikenga stated unequivocally that Chinda has met all membership requirements of the APC. He emphasized that the party’s constitution permits any Nigerian to join at any time, including those seeking elective offices.
“He is a member of the APC,” Ikenga asserted.
Explaining the procedure for late entrants, the APC spokesperson noted that aspirants who join close to an election period can apply for a waiver, allowing them to participate in party activities on par with long-standing members. Once such a waiver is granted by the appropriate party authorities, the aspirant becomes eligible to purchase nomination forms, undergo screening, and fully participate in the process.
“Even if it is three days, as soon as you obtain that waiver, you are free to participate,” he added.
On whether Chinda has completed his membership registration, Ikenga said he is aware that the lawmaker has obtained his membership card, though he could not independently confirm if the waiver has been approved by the APC national leadership. “I know. I have a copy of the membership card,” he stated. He further maintained that Chinda’s participation in the screening exercise would be clear evidence that the necessary approvals have been secured.
The APC spokesman also touched on the “Rainbow Coalition” in Rivers State, describing it as a political alliance comprising several parties and groups working together ahead of the elections. According to him, the coalition includes members of the APC, PDP, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, and other platforms. He noted that political coalitions are not new in Nigeria’s democratic history.