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By Tracy Moses
Members of the House of Representatives under the banner of the Active Minority have declared their firm support for the embattled Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), pledging to resist any attempt to remove him from office.
This follows an emergency meeting of the Minority Caucus scheduled for Monday evening in Abuja. A notice announcing the meeting, jointly signed on Sunday, October 5, by Hon. Agbedi Frederick (PDP Caucus Leader), Hon. Afam Victor Ogene (LP Caucus Leader), Hon. Muktar Umar-Zakar (NNPP Caucus Leader), and Hon. Peter Uzokwe (YPP Caucus Leader), was sent to all minority lawmakers.
Titled “Notice of Emergency Meeting of the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives,” the memo invited members to deliberate on “recent developments within the minority leadership, particularly the lawsuit filed by Hon. Kingsley Chinda against all minority party members of the 10th House.”
The meeting, initially scheduled to hold at The Envoy Hotel, was later relocated to Conference Room 028 in the New House of Representatives Building and will begin by 8 p.m.
Chinda had last week instituted legal action seeking a court injunction to restrain the Speaker, Clerk, National Assembly leadership, and minority caucus members from removing him as Minority Leader.
Some minority lawmakers have been mobilizing to replace Chinda, accusing him of poor leadership and alleged collaboration with the ruling APC, citing his close ties to the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike.
However, the Active Minority Group, led by a PDP member from the North, has been holding strategy sessions ahead of the House’s resumption on Tuesday, October 7.
Speaking anonymously, a member of the group disclosed that they were aware of a plot by certain PDP and ADC leaders to oust Chinda solely because of his relationship with Wike.
“We are fully aware of plans by some leaders within the PDP and ADC to remove Hon. Chinda as Minority Leader. His only so-called offence is being close to the FCT Minister, Chief Wike,” the lawmaker said.
“Let me assure you, we are prepared to confront anyone who attempts this anti-democratic scheme. The Active Minority currently boasts 89 members, and more are joining us. With the opposition numbering around 140 lawmakers, we have the strength to defeat any such move.”
The source added that the group’s membership list would remain confidential until plenary resumes, describing their strategy as “a surprise for the battlefield.”
Justifying their support for Chinda, the lawmaker praised his unwavering commitment to democracy and the protection of Nigerians’ rights.
“Since 2023, Hon. Chinda has consistently opposed the defection of opposition lawmakers to the APC, citing constitutional and electoral violations. He has repeatedly reminded the leadership of the need to uphold the law and do what is right,” he stated.
“Despite resistance, he has remained firm, challenging the status quo and holding the government accountable. His outspokenness has inspired unity among those advocating for justice and equality. Removing such a leader over flimsy excuses like his closeness to Wike is senseless. If they have issues with Wike, they should face him, not Chinda.”
He further described Chinda as a champion of transparency, accountability, and institutional strengthening, noting that his leadership has amplified the voices of marginalized groups and ensured inclusive governance.
“Chinda has also been instrumental in sponsoring key bills and motions addressing critical national issues. Such a leader should not be sacrificed on the altar of political scheming. Our message is clear: Chinda must remain Minority Leader.”
Chinda’s lawsuit lists the National Assembly, Speaker of the House, Clerk, and minority caucus members as defendants, alleging that the move to unseat him is motivated by his association with Chief Wike, the only PDP member serving in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led cabinet.