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

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