The senator representing Rivers West Senatorial District, Ipalibo Banigo, has announced her defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, read Banigo’s letter announcing the defection during plenary on Tuesday.
In the letter, the Rivers lawmaker explained that her decision followed extensive consultations with her constituents and political associates across her senatorial district.
Banigo also stated that the internal divisions and leadership disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party played a major role in her decision to leave the party.
“I write to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues in the Senate of the decision to defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and subsequently join the All Progressives Congress, APC,” her letter reads.
“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 People’s Democratic Party, which have adversely affected cohesion.”
Following the defection, the number of senators belonging to the All Progressives Congress in the upper chamber has increased to 80, while the development also raises the number of female lawmakers within the APC caucus in the Senate to two.
However, the usual ceremonial movement of a defecting senator from the minority wing to the majority wing of the chamber was postponed as lawmakers are currently observing a period of mourning following the death of Barinada Mpigi.
What you should know
Ipalibo Banigo previously served as the Deputy Governor of Rivers State between 2015 and 2023 before being elected to the Senate to represent Rivers West Senatorial District.
Her defection reflects the ongoing political realignments within Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly amid leadership disputes and legal battles within the Peoples Democratic Party.
The move also strengthens the numerical advantage of the All Progressives Congress in the Senate as the ruling party continues to consolidate its position in the National Assembly.
