SHOWDOWN IN ABUJA: Lawmakers Meet Over Plot to Sack Wike’s Ally, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda

Abuja — A storm is brewing in the House of Representatives as the minority caucus convenes in Abuja today (Monday) to deliberate on the legal action filed by its leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against moves to oust him from office.

Chinda, a staunch ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had on September 25 dragged the National Assembly and 11 others before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to halt what he described as an unconstitutional plot to remove him as Minority Leader.

In his suit, the Rivers lawmaker argued that any attempt to unseat him would not only violate his fundamental right to freedom of association but also undermine democratic principles. He urged the court to restrain the defendants from carrying out the alleged plan.

Those listed as defendants include the National Assembly, Clerk of the National Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Speaker, Clerk of the House, as well as six minority parties — the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Young Progressive Party (YPP).

Sources within the minority caucus revealed that opposition lawmakers accuse Chinda of weakening their ranks, portraying the legislature as a “rubber stamp” to the executive arm of government. His critics allege that his proximity to Wike, a controversial figure within the PDP, has compromised his leadership and blunted the opposition’s voice in the House.

Tensions heightened on Sunday when opposition lawmakers issued a formal notice of an emergency meeting to address Chinda’s lawsuit. The notice, jointly signed by Agbedi Frederick (PDP), Afam Ogene (LP), Muktar Umar-Zakari (NNPP), and Peter Uzokwe (YPP), listed as agenda: “Response to the lawsuit instituted by House Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all minority parties, and any other business.”

Reliable sources hinted that a final decision on Chinda’s fate could be reached when the House reconvenes on Tuesday, October 7, setting the stage for a dramatic political battle that could reshape the minority leadership in the Green Chamber.