Rivers APC Comments on Former House Minority Leader Chinda’s Gubernatorial Bid

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that former House of Representatives Minority Leader Okey Chinda is a member of the party, amid speculation that he may have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is now participating in the APC’s governorship screening process.

Chibuike Ikenga, the APC’s Publicity Secretary for Rivers State, made the statement while answering questions about Chinda’s entry into the APC’s gubernatorial race.

Chinda’s emergence as an APC aspirant has drawn widespread attention, especially since he was previously a prominent PDP figure and served as Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.

In an interview with DAILY POST, Ikenga said unequivocally that Chinda has met the party’s membership requirements, noting that the APC constitution allows Nigerians to join at any time, including those seeking elective office.

“He’s a member of the APC,” Ikenga stated.

Ikenga explained that aspirants who join the party close to an election can apply for a waiver that permits them to participate in party activities on par with long‑time members. Once the waiver is granted by the appropriate party authorities, the aspirant can obtain nomination forms, undergo screening, and fully engage in the process.

“Even if it’s three days, as soon as you get that waiver, you are at liberty to participate,” he added.

Regarding whether Chinda has formally completed his membership registration, Ikenga said he is aware that the lawmaker has obtained a membership card, although he could not independently confirm whether the waiver had already been approved by the APC national leadership.

“I’m aware. I have a copy of the membership card,” he said.

He added that Chinda’s participation in the screening exercise would ultimately confirm that the necessary approvals have been secured.

Ikenga also discussed the “Rainbow Coalition” in Rivers State, describing it as a political alliance that brings together several parties and groups ahead of the elections. According to him, the coalition includes members of the APC, PDP, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, and other political platforms, noting that such coalitions are not new to Nigeria’s democratic history.