The All Progressives Congress in Rivers State has confirmed that Okey Chinda, a former Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, is a fully registered member of the party. This came as speculation swirled about his move from the Peoples Democratic Party and his entry into the APC's governorship race.
Chibuike Ikenga, the APC's Rivers publicity secretary, made the clarification while responding to questions about Chinda's candidacy. He spoke to DAILY POST about the controversy surrounding the ex-lawmaker's sudden switch and participation in the party's screening process.
Chinda's bid had raised eyebrows across Rivers State political circles. Until recently, he was a major PDP figure who wielded considerable influence in the National Assembly.
According to Ikenga, Chinda met all membership requirements for the APC. The party constitution, he noted, permits Nigerians to join whenever they wish, regardless of whether they're seeking elected office.
"He's a member of the APC," Ikenga told reporters plainly.
Party rules allow late-comers to apply for waivers to participate in activities, the spokesman explained. Such waivers let new members access nomination forms and undergo screening just like those who joined years earlier.
Ikenga outlined the typical process. Once appropriate party authorities grant a waiver, the applicant gains full participation rights immediately.
"Even if it's three days, as soon as you get that waiver, you are at liberty to participate," he noted.
When asked if Chinda had completed his registration officially, Ikenga said he'd seen the membership card. He couldn't independently verify whether the national leadership had approved the waiver though.
"I'm aware. I have a copy of the membership card," he stated.
Ikenga suggested that Chinda's participation in screening would itself prove necessary approvals were secured. His involvement in the exercise would serve as confirmation, the APC official indicated.
Beyond Chinda's candidacy, Ikenga discussed the so-called "Rainbow Coalition" emerging in Rivers politics. He described it as a political alliance bridging multiple parties and factions ahead of elections.
Members include figures from the APC, PDP, African Democratic Congress, and Labour Party, according to him. Various other political platforms also participate in the arrangement, he added.
Coalition politics isn't unusual in Nigeria's democratic journey, Ikenga remarked. Such alliances have featured prominently throughout the country's electoral history, he stressed.
