A major leadership crisis is brewing within the House of Representatives as some minority lawmakers move to unseat Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The group pushing for his removal has accused Chinda of maintaining close ties with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a relationship they believe compromises his role as an opposition leader.
However, Chinda’s loyalists under a bloc known as the Active Minority have vowed to resist the move, setting the stage for a heated confrontation when the House reconvenes.
The caucus is expected to hold a crucial meeting today at the National Assembly to deliberate on the matter.
The meeting notice, signed by leaders of four minority parties, Frederick Agbedi (PDP), Afam Victor Ogene (LP), Muktar Umar-Zakari (NNPP), and Peter Nzokwe (YPP), stated that lawmakers would discuss “recent developments in the minority leadership, particularly to review the lawsuit instituted by Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.”
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Meanwhile, Chinda has obtained a court injunction halting any attempt to remove him from office.
Justice J.O. Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered all parties to maintain the current leadership structure pending the hearing of the substantive suit.
In response, members of the Active Minority have rallied behind Chinda, claiming to have the numbers to defeat any plot against him.
A lawmaker from the faction, who requested anonymity, said, “We have uncovered a plan by some PDP and ADC leaders to replace Chinda because of his alleged closeness to Wike. But we are fully prepared to resist it.”
The lawmaker added that over 80 members had pledged support for Chinda, describing him as “a committed opposition leader who has stood firmly against anti-democratic practices in the House.”
As plenary resumes, both camps appear ready for a political showdown that could redefine the balance of power within the minority caucus.