Rivers Group Insists Chinda Followed Due Process In APC Defection

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), insisting that the lawmaker followed due process 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 put to rest controversies surrounding his participation in the APC primary.

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

The Rivers Development Agenda maintained that the latest developments have vindicated its earlier position that Chinda’s participation in the APC governorship primary election complied with all applicable legal and political requirements.

The group also took exception to criticisms from some individuals and organisations that had questioned Chinda’s eligibility to contest the APC primary, including comments attributed to legal scholar and public affairs commentator, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu.

It described Odinkalu’s characterization of Chinda’s political decision as “organised crime” as unfortunate, inflammatory and inappropriate.

According to the group, disagreement with a political decision should not lead to comments capable of undermining democratic institutions or questioning the integrity of individuals without any judicial pronouncement.

“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 Rivers Development Agenda urged political actors, stakeholders and commentators to embrace issue-based engagement and allow due process to take its course before drawing conclusions on matters of public interest.

The group further stressed the need for constructive public discourse anchored on facts, sound reasoning and a commitment to the collective interest of Rivers State and the country.

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