A new legal battle has emerged in Rivers State after a Federal High Court in Abuja was asked to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the APC Rivers governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The lawsuit targets Kingsley Chinda, who recently emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State following the party’s primary election.
Legal Challenge Threatens APC Rivers Governorship Candidate
The suit was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners.
According to court documents, the group is seeking an order preventing Chinda from participating in the 2027 governorship election on the grounds that his alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC did not comply with constitutional and electoral provisions.
The APC Rivers governorship candidate currently serves as the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.
Lawyers Seek INEC Intervention
The plaintiffs are asking the court to direct INEC not to recognise or validate Chinda’s candidature pending the determination of the case.
They also requested an order declaring his legislative seat vacant if the court finds that he violated constitutional provisions relating to party defection.
According to the suit, the APC Rivers governorship candidate allegedly failed to meet requirements outlined under Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution regarding lawmakers who switch political parties.
Other Reliefs Sought Before Court
Beyond challenging Chinda’s governorship bid, the plaintiffs also asked the court to compel the Speaker of the House of Representatives to remove him as Minority Leader.
The legal action further seeks an order directing INEC to conduct a bye-election should the court declare his seat vacant.
The lawsuit names several respondents, including Chinda, INEC, the APC, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
How Chinda Emerged as APC Candidate
The APC Rivers governorship candidate secured the party’s ticket after other aspirants withdrew from the contest before the primary election.
Among those who stepped down were incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole and Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly.
His emergence has since generated political discussions, particularly because he continues to occupy a leadership position in the House of Representatives previously associated with the PDP.
Case Could Shape Rivers 2027 Election
Political observers believe the court case could have significant implications for the Rivers State governorship race ahead of the 2027 election.
If the court grants the requests made by the plaintiffs, it could affect the status of the APC Rivers governorship candidate and potentially reshape the political landscape in the state.
The court is yet to deliver a ruling on the matter.
