Rivers West Senator Ipalibo Banigo Defects to APC, Citing PDP Crisis

Senator Ipalibo Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal party crises and a desire to support national development and economic reforms. The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, during plenary at the Nigerian Senate, when her letter of defection was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In her letter, Banigo explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with her constituents, political associates, and key stakeholders across Rivers West. She highlighted ongoing leadership disputes, internal divisions, and litigations within the PDP as factors that undermined party cohesion, making it difficult to pursue her legislative and developmental agenda effectively.

“I write to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues in the Senate of my decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and subsequently join the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Banigo’s letter read. She added that the APC provides a more stable and progressive platform to advance her constituency’s interests and contribute to national governance.

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Banigo also expressed her support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and reforms, noting that the APC aligns with her vision for political stability, economic growth, and infrastructural development in Rivers State and across Nigeria. She thanked prominent political figures such as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for their mentorship and influence in her political journey.

“This decision is predicated on my resolve to join my political mentors in supporting President Tinubu’s administration and re-election bid,” she stated. She also emphasized her commitment to collaborate with APC lawmakers in the 10th Senate to further legislative initiatives and development projects for her constituents.

Political analysts say Banigo’s defection is part of a wider wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several governors, senators, and House of Representatives members leaving the PDP for the APC. Observers note that such movements are reshaping party dynamics, particularly in Rivers State, and strengthening the ruling party’s legislative presence.

Banigo’s defection underscores the ongoing political fluidity in Nigeria and reflects the strategic alignment of lawmakers seeking platforms that best support their constituencies and national development goals.

Rivers West Senator Ipalibo Banigo Defects to APC, Citing PDP Crisis

Turaki‑Led PDP Rejects Court of Appeal Ruling, Heads to Supreme Court

The Turaki‑led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected a recent Court of Appeal ruling that nullified the party’s national convention held on November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, and announced plans to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Kabiru Turaki, said in a statement that the appellate court judgment, which barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the results of the Ibadan convention, would impose “untold hardship” on party members if implemented. In the statement, the PDP spokesperson for the Turaki faction, Mr. Ini Ememobong, confirmed that lawyers had been instructed to immediately file an appeal at the Supreme Court to seek a definitive ruling. “We are confident that the apex court will swiftly resolve the dispute in the interest of democracy,” Ememobong said, urging party members to remain united during the legal proceedings.

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court decision which held that the Ibadan convention, which produced Turaki and other national officers, did not comply with constitutional and statutory requirements, including proper conduct of congresses in at least 14 states and valid notice to INEC. The court also rejected the Turaki faction’s claim that the matter was purely internal and awarded ₦2 million in costs against the appellants. The ruling has deepened a long-standing leadership dispute within the PDP, which has seen rival factions contest control of the party’s organisational structure and decision-making processes. Legal analysts note that the case raises important questions about intra-party democracy, constitutional compliance, and the judiciary’s role in political disputes.

Observers say the escalation to the Supreme Court comes at a sensitive time for the PDP, as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections. While the Turaki faction asserts that the appeal seeks to protect party members and maintain order, opponents argue that the ongoing legal battle risks undermining organisational cohesion and may affect the PDP’s electoral readiness. Analysts suggest that the Supreme Court’s final determination could set a legal precedent for how internal party disputes are resolved under Nigerian law, particularly concerning the interpretation of party constitutions and the conduct of national conventions.

The Turaki-led faction reiterated its call for members to remain calm and united, assuring that the legal process would soon provide clarity and resolution. The statement emphasized the need to rescue the PDP from elements “masquerading as opposition leaders”, highlighting the faction’s commitment to restoring proper leadership and protecting the party’s democratic structures.

Turaki‑Led PDP Rejects Court of Appeal Ruling, Heads to Supreme Court

BREAKING: Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Defects from PDP to APC

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Zamfara State Government after extensive consultations with political stakeholders, elders, party leaders, and supporters across the state.

According to the statement, the governor’s decision was largely influenced by the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP, including leadership disagreements and unresolved structural challenges at both the national and state levels.

Officials said the persistent disputes within the opposition party had created uncertainty capable of distracting from governance and slowing development efforts in Zamfara State.

Governor Lawal explained that his priority remains the peace, security, and development of Zamfara, stressing that aligning with a political platform that ensures greater unity and stronger collaboration with the Federal Government became necessary.

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The government revealed that the final deliberation leading to the decision took place at the Government House in Gusau, where senior government officials and key political stakeholders met under the coordination of the deputy governor.

In the statement, the governor also expressed appreciation to members and supporters of the PDP for their support over the years.

However, he noted that current political realities and the unresolved crisis within the party made it necessary for him to take what he described as a bold step in the interest of good governance and the future of Zamfara State.

By joining the APC, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring Zamfara State benefits from stronger federal collaboration.

The state government also called on citizens, political leaders, and party supporters to remain calm and supportive as Zamfara enters a new political phase aimed at promoting unity, stability, and development.

The statement announcing the defection was signed by Nuhu Salihu Anka, Director General of Media and Communication in the Office of the Governor.

BREAKING: Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Defects from PDP to APC