Senator Ipalibo Banigo, who represents Rivers West Senatorial District, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Banigo announced her defection in a letter read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, March 10, by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the letter, the lawmaker explained that her decision followed wide consultations with constituents, political allies, and stakeholders across her senatorial district.
She said the move was also influenced by the ongoing internal divisions, leadership disputes, and legal battles within the PDP, which she noted had weakened unity within the party.
Banigo stated that her defection would enable her to align politically with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and support the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
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According to her, the decision was also aimed at joining her political mentor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in backing Tinubu’s leadership and reform agenda.
She praised the President’s economic reforms, noting that the policies had improved the country’s economic outlook, strengthened currency stability, and boosted infrastructure development.
Banigo further pledged to support initiatives championed by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, particularly programmes designed to improve the welfare of Nigerians.
Responding after reading the letter, Akpabio welcomed the senator into the APC, saying a seat had already been reserved for her in the ruling party.
Banigo’s defection adds to a growing wave of political realignments as politicians across the country begin positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.