Group defends Chinda’s defection to APC

The Rivers Development Agenda (RDA) has defended the defection of Rt. Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), maintaining that the lawmaker complied with all necessary requirements before participating in the APC governorship primary election in Rivers State. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Chief […]

The Rivers Development Agenda (RDA) has defended the defection of Rt. Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), maintaining that the lawmaker complied with all necessary requirements before participating in the APC governorship primary election in Rivers State.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Chief (Barr.) Godpower Duke, the group said the public announcement and official acknowledgment of Chinda’s defection, which took effect on April 23, 2026, had clarified issues surrounding his participation in the APC primary.

According to the group, available public records and official disclosures indicate that Chinda completed the required legal and political processes before pursuing his governorship ambition on the platform of the APC.

The Rivers Development Agenda stated that recent developments support its earlier position that Chinda’s participation in the APC governorship primary election was in line with applicable legal and political procedures.

The group stressed the importance of conducting political discussions in a manner that promotes civility, respect for differing views, and adherence to democratic principles.

“Political debates should be conducted within the bounds of civility, facts and respect for differing opinions. Public commentary must be guided by verified information rather than speculation,” the statement said.

The RDA urged political actors, stakeholders and commentators to embrace issue-based engagement and allow due process to take its course on matters of public interest.

It further emphasized the need for constructive public discourse anchored on facts, sound reasoning and commitment to the collective interest of Rivers State and the country.

The group added that healthy democratic engagement requires respect for established institutions and adherence to the rule of law, regardless of political affiliations or differences.