By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
Abuja
Senator Ipalibo Banigo, representing Rivers West, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made during a plenary session at the Senate on Tuesday, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio reading out Banigo’s letter.
In her letter, Banigo cited internal divisions and leadership disputes within the PDP as the reason for her decision. She said she had held extensive consultations with her constituents and stakeholders, who shared her concerns about the party’s state.
Banigo expressed confidence that the APC offers a more stable platform to advance her legislative and developmental agenda. She is expected to join her political mentor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The senator also expressed support for Tinubu’s economic policies, crediting his administration with improving the economy and driving infrastructural development. She appreciated the president’s role in promoting political stability in Rivers State.
Banigo pledged to support Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, in her efforts to consolidate her support for the president. She looks forward to working with APC lawmakers in the Senate to serve Rivers West and Nigeria.
The defection is seen as a significant boost for the APC, adding to its numbers in the Senate. Banigo’s decision is also expected to strengthen support for Tinubu’s administration in Rivers State.
Banigo’s constituents and stakeholders have been informed of her decision, and she is expected to continue serving their interests in the Senate.
The senator’s move is the latest in a series of defections from the PDP to the APC in recent months. It remains to be seen how this will impact the balance of power in the Senate.
The PDP has yet to respond officially to Banigo’s defection. However, the party is likely to feel the impact of losing a key senator.
Banigo’s decision highlights the ongoing challenges facing the PDP, including internal conflicts and leadership disputes. The party will need to address these issues to retain its support base.
