Senator Ipalibo Banigo Defects from PDP to APC, Cites Party Crises and Support for Tinubu’s Agenda

 

Senator Ipalibo Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmaker announced her resignation from the PDP and subsequent move to the APC during plenary on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The announcement was made through a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which was read aloud to members of the Red Chamber.

In the letter, Banigo explained that her decision followed extensive consultations with constituents, political associates, and critical stakeholders across her senatorial district.

“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 People’s Democratic Party, which have adversely affected cohesion,” she wrote.

She expressed confidence that the APC provides a more stable and progressive platform to advance legislative and developmental goals for her constituency and the nation.

“I am convinced that the All Progressive Congress offers a more stable and progressive platform to advance the legislative and developmental agenda of my constituency and the nation at large,” Banigo stated.

The senator specifically highlighted her alignment with two influential political figures in Rivers State — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike (her political mentor) and Governor Siminalayi Fubara — both of whom have recently aligned with President Bola Tinubu and the APC.

“This decision is also predicated on my resolve to join my political mentor, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, and the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, in supporting the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu GCFR, to actualize his re-election bid,” she said.

Banigo further endorsed the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, praising their impact on currency stability, infrastructure development, and overall national progress.

“This decision is also predicated on my resolve… to enable the President to continue his evident economic reforms which have significantly improved the economic situation, enhanced currency stability and driven numerous infrastructural developments across our dear nation.

“I sincerely appreciate the president’s fatherly role in fostering political stability and strengthening governance in Rivers state particularly through his peace-building and reconciliation efforts,” she added.

The defection positions Senator Banigo to work more closely with the APC majority in the Senate and aligns her fully with the ruling party’s agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She concluded by affirming her commitment to collaborate with APC colleagues at both state and national levels:

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the APC in the 10th Senate to continue serving the people of Rivers West senatorial district and Nigerians at large.”

Banigo’s move is the latest in a series of high-profile defections from the PDP in Rivers State and across Nigeria, reflecting ongoing realignments and internal challenges within the opposition party. The Senate President acknowledged the letter without further comment during plenary, and the chamber proceeded with its legislative business.

The development is expected to further strengthen the APC’s position in Rivers State politics and may influence upcoming local and national electoral dynamics in the oil-rich region.