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

The defection was announced on Tuesday during plenary at the Senate when Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read Banigo’s letter informing lawmakers of her decision.

In the letter, the senator said her decision followed extensive consultations with her constituents, political associates and key stakeholders across her senatorial district.

“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),” she wrote.

Banigo explained that internal divisions and leadership disputes within the PDP contributed significantly to her decision to leave 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 stated.

According to her, the APC provides a more stable platform to advance both her legislative duties and the development agenda of her constituency.

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

The senator added that her decision was also influenced by her alignment with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

She noted that the move would enable her to work with the two leaders in supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his re-election bid.

Banigo also expressed support for the president’s economic reforms, noting that they have helped improve economic stability, strengthen the currency and drive infrastructural development across the country.

She further commended Tinubu’s role in promoting political stability in Rivers State through reconciliation and peace-building efforts.

“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 senator also pledged support for the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a strong pillar of support for the president.

Banigo said she looks forward to working with APC lawmakers in the Senate.
“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,” she said.

END