Rivers: APC addresses calls for disqualification of Wike’s ally, Chinda over Supreme Court verdict

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to concerns about the eligibility of their 2027 gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, following a recent Supreme Court ruling. The Supreme Court's decision, issued on September 24, 2026, has ignited a debate about the consequences of the ruling for Chinda's bid to contest the upcoming election.

The court highlighted the importance of adhering to Section 77(5) and (6) of the Electoral Act, which mandates political parties to submit a verified list of members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at least 21 days prior to primary elections. Chinda, a member of the House of Representatives, joined the APC on April 27, 2026, and formally announced his defection from the PDP and switch to the APC on June 2, 2026.

Some critics contend that Chinda's formal defection should be considered effective from the date it was announced in the House of Representatives. There have been calls on social media for the electoral commission, INEC, to disqualify Chinda as a result of the Supreme Court judgment. In reaction to the controversy, the APC's Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Ikenga Chibike, dismissed the concerns and affirmed that the party had no objections to Chinda's candidacy.

Chibike cited the Supreme Court ruling, which stipulates that a candidate must have been a party member for at least 21 days before the primary, and noted that Chinda registered with the APC 24 days before the primary election was held.