The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that further reshapes the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chinda’s letter of defection, dated April 23, 2026, was read during Tuesday’s plenary session by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

Following his departure from the PDP, Chinda also resigned from his position as Minority Leader of the House.

The Rivers lawmaker’s defection comes shortly after he emerged as the APC governorship candidate for Rivers State for the 2027 governorship election. Chinda is widely regarded as a close political associate of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

His move was part of a wave of defections announced on the floor of the House during plenary.

Among the lawmakers who changed party affiliations was Hon. Etanabene Benedict, representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, who defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the PDP.

Similarly, Hon. Auwalu Gwalabe, representing Katagum Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, left the PDP to join the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

In Oyo State, several lawmakers also announced their departure from the PDP to the APM. They include Hon. Najimdeen Oyedeji, representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency; Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency; and Hon. Abass Adekunle Adigun, representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency.

Others who joined the APM from the PDP are Hon. Anthony Adepoju, representing Ibarapa North Federal Constituency; Hon. Adedeji Olajide, representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency; and Hon. Makanjuola Sunday Ojo, representing Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere Federal Constituency.

The latest defections highlight the ongoing political realignments within the National Assembly as parties position themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.