Kingsley Chinda, Wike Ally, Faces Removal Bid as Minority Caucus Splits

Tensions have escalated within the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives as lawmakers prepare for a decisive meeting today over the leadership of Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers). Chinda, widely seen as an ally of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, is facing a concerted push from a faction within the caucus seeking his removal.

The dispute, which has been simmering for weeks, took a legal turn when Chinda obtained an injunction from the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent his removal. The court order restrains the House leadership and members of the minority parties from replacing him pending the determination of his suit. Chinda’s lawsuit lists as defendants the National Assembly, the Speaker of the House, the Clerk, and members of the PDP, NNPP, LP, APGA, SDP, ADC, and YPP.

According to court documents, Chinda is seeking an order to stop any attempt to remove him without following due process, citing his constitutional rights under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution. Justice J.O. Abdulmalik, in granting the interim injunction, directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the substantive suit is resolved.

The minority caucus meeting, slated for one of the House of Representatives’ conference rooms, is expected to draw all members. The meeting notice, signed by Frederick Agbedi (PDP), Afam Victor Ogene (LP), Muktar Umar-Zakari (NNPP), and Peter Nzokwe (YPP), lists the primary agenda as preparing a response to Chinda’s lawsuit and addressing any other related business.

Supporters of Chinda, operating under the “Active Minority” banner, have vowed to resist any attempt to remove him. A member of the group, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they have identified at least 89 lawmakers backing Chinda and are prepared to counter any faction seeking to unseat him.

“We are aware of a plot by certain leaders in the PDP and ADC to replace Chinda because of his alleged closeness to Wike,” the lawmaker said. “Our group is ready to resist this because Chinda has performed exceptionally as Minority Leader and has consistently defended democratic principles, including opposing the defection of opposition members to the ruling party.”

The member also explained that the identities of the Active Minority supporters are being kept confidential until the House resumes plenary to prevent sabotage. Analysts say the outcome of today’s meeting could determine not only Chinda’s political survival but also the cohesion of the minority bloc as the House of Representatives resumes plenary sessions tomorrow.

Observers are watching closely, as the conflict highlights growing fault lines within opposition ranks and underscores the influence of Wike-aligned lawmakers in shaping the leadership dynamics of the House.