Rivers Female senator, Banigo dumps PDP for APC

Ipalibo Banigo, the senator representing Rivers West, has announced her defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter conveying her decision during plenary on Tuesday.

In the correspondence, Banigo said the move followed broad consultations with stakeholders in her senatorial district, including constituents and political allies.

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“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,” she wrote.

She explained that lingering internal conflicts within the PDP played a major role in 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 People’s Democratic Party, which have adversely affected cohesion,” she wrote.

According to the lawmaker, the APC provides a stronger platform for advancing the interests of her constituency and pursuing national development.

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

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

“This decision is also predicated on my resolve to join my political mentor, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, and the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, in supporting the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu GCFR, to actualize his re-election bid,” she wrote.

The senator also expressed support for the administration of Bola Tinubu, citing his economic reforms.

“This decision is also predicated on my resolve… to enable the President to continue his evident economic reforms which have significantly improved the economic situation enhanced currency stability and driven numerous infrastructural developments across our dear nation,” she wrote.

Banigo further commended the president for his role in stabilising the political climate in Rivers State.

“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 wrote.

She also pledged continued support for the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.

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“Furthermore I remain committed to supporting the first lady Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in consolidating the motherly role she has consistently played in her steadfast support of the President throughout his distinguished political journey,” she wrote.

Banigo added that she looks forward to collaborating with APC senators in the current National Assembly.

“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.”