Centre defends Chinda’s eligibility, says he met requirements

A civic advocacy group, the Centre for Constitutional Governance and Electoral Integrity (CCGEI), has defended the eligibility of Kingsley Chinda, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, following a suit challenging his participation in the party’s governorship primary. The group said Chinda had stepped down from his position as minority leader of […]

A civic advocacy group, the Centre for Constitutional Governance and Electoral Integrity (CCGEI), has defended the eligibility of Kingsley Chinda, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, following a suit challenging his participation in the party’s governorship primary.

The group said Chinda had stepped down from his position as minority leader of the house of representatives before participating in the APC governorship process and had since ceased to function in any official capacity for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The position follows a suit filed at the federal high court in Abuja seeking an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising Chinda’s participation in the APC governorship primary.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Ibrahim Danjuma, executive director of CCGEI, said the APC governorship primary was conducted in line with party procedures and that Chinda emerged through a process recognised by the party.

“The process has been concluded. Hon. Kingsley Chinda is the governorship candidate of the APC in Rivers State,” the statement reads.

Danjuma said those questioning Chinda’s eligibility should provide evidence showing that after April 2, 2026, he attended PDP functions, represented the party in any capacity, or acted as minority leader in the house of representatives.

According to the group, Chinda had withdrawn from PDP leadership responsibilities before aligning with the APC governorship process.

“Since April 2, he has not presided over any PDP caucus, issued any statement as minority leader, attended any PDP event, or functioned in that office in any form whatsoever,” Danjuma said.

The organisation maintained that Chinda complied with constitutional and procedural requirements before contesting the governorship ticket.

CCGEI also argued that the legal action could create uncertainty around an already concluded political exercise and urged the court to determine the matter based on the evidence presented by all parties.

According to the group, democratic participation and freedom of political association remain constitutionally protected rights.