The senator representing Rivers West Senatorial District, Ipalibo Banigo, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deepening internal divisions within her former party and the need to align politically with federal and state leadership.
Banigo’s defection letter was read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the letter, Banigo said her decision followed extensive consultations with constituents, political associates, and key stakeholders across Rivers West, noting that prolonged leadership disputes, internal divisions, and ongoing litigations within the PDP had undermined cohesion in the party.
She said the move would enable her to align with the political direction of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom she described as her political mentor.
According to Banigo, the decision was also aimed at supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu and efforts towards his potential re-election.
“This decision is predicated on my resolve to join my political mentor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in supporting President Bola Tinubu to actualise his re-election bids and enable him continue his economic reforms,” she said.
Banigo added that the President’s policies had improved the nation’s economic outlook through currency stabilisation and infrastructural development.
She also pledged continued support for the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in advancing initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Responding after the letter was read, Akpabio welcomed Banigo to the APC, saying “a seat is already prepared” for her and others expected to join the ruling party.
The development is the latest in a series of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections as politicians seek to strengthen alliances with the federal government.
Meanwhile, the governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and his deputy, Mani Mummuni, also recently defected to the APC, citing the lingering crisis and legal disputes within the PDP.
