Senator Ipalibo Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Banigo said her decision was taken to align politically with the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and to support development efforts in the state as well as the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Her letter of defection was read during plenary on Tuesday by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio. A video of the session was later posted on the Senate’s official Facebook page.
In the letter, Banigo explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with her constituents and political associates. She cited internal divisions, leadership disputes, and ongoing litigations within the Peoples Democratic Party as key reasons for leaving the party.
“The decision follows extensive consultations with my constituents, my political associates, and critical stakeholders across my senatorial district, given the prevailing internal divisions, protracted leadership disputes, and ongoing litigations within the Peoples Democratic Party, which have adversely affected cohesion,” she said.
Banigo also noted that her move was aimed at joining her political mentor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Governor Fubara in supporting Tinubu’s administration and his potential re-election bid in 2027.
According to the senator, the President’s economic reforms have improved the nation’s economic situation, stabilised the currency, and driven infrastructural development across the country.
She further expressed commitment to supporting initiatives championed by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, noting her role in advancing programmes that positively impact Nigerians.
After the letter was read, Akpabio welcomed Banigo to the ruling party, stating that “a seat is already prepared” for her and other politicians who may join the APC.
Political observers say the defection is part of a growing wave of cross-party movements as politicians reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections and seek closer alignment with the federal government.
On Monday, Dauda Lawal, the Governor of Zamfara State, and his deputy, Mani Mummuni, also defected to the APC, citing the protracted crisis and legal disputes within the PDP.
