The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has fixed November 4, 2026, for the hearing of a suit challenging Kingsley Chinda’s nomination as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Rivers State election.
The case, marked FHC/PH/CS/3/2026, was instituted by Samuel Amatonjie against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chinda, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the APC, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Clerk of the National Assembly.
According to a report published by Tribune Online on September 30, the matter was adjourned after the plaintiff requested additional time to study and respond to processes filed by some of the defendants.
Plaintiff Questions Timing of Chinda’s Defection
Amatonjie is challenging Chinda’s eligibility to participate in the APC governorship primary, arguing that his defection from the PDP to the APC had not been completed in accordance with Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, before the party’s screening and primary.
The plaintiff has questioned whether Chinda had fulfilled the relevant constitutional requirements by May 9, 2026, when he was reportedly screened for the APC governorship primary, and May 21, when he emerged as the party’s candidate.
Amatonjie further argued that Chinda’s resignation and defection letter was read on the floor of the House of Representatives by the Speaker on June 2, 2026.
The timing of these events is central to the legal challenge.
What the Court Will Consider
The proceedings will require the court to consider the relevant constitutional provisions, the chronology of Chinda’s defection and the legal implications for his participation in the APC primary.
The case raises questions about the relationship between a federal legislator’s party affiliation and eligibility to seek another elective office under a different political party.
However, the filing of a suit does not establish that the candidate is ineligible. The arguments remain subject to judicial consideration, and no conclusion should be drawn before the court determines the issues before it.
Next Hearing
The matter is scheduled to return to court on November 4, 2026.
The outcome could have implications for the political and legal debate surrounding the APC’s Rivers State governorship candidacy ahead of the 2027 elections.
For now, Chinda’s eligibility remains the subject of litigation rather than a final determination in the case.