The Senator representing Rivers West Senatorial District, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Rivers senator’s defection follows Monday’s ruling by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria which reshaped the balance of power in the state’s political structure.
The lawmaker’s defection letter was read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, shortly after plenary resumed at the National Assembly.
Banigo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, said her decision followed extensive consultations with constituents and political stakeholders in Rivers West Senatorial District.
In the letter dated March 2, 2026, the former Rivers State deputy governor cited lingering crises within the PDP as a major factor behind her decision.
“This decision follows extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates, and critical stakeholders across my Senatorial District,” she wrote.
She added that the “prevailing internal divisions, protracted leadership disputes and ongoing litigations within the PDP” had undermined cohesion within the opposition party.
According to her, the APC now offers a more stable platform for advancing the legislative and developmental interests 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 also linked her move to the political realignment currently taking place in Rivers State, noting that she was aligning with her political mentor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.
She stated that the decision would enable her to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his re-election bid.
“This decision is also predicated on my resolve to join my political mentor, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, and the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, in supporting the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in actualising his re-election bid,” she stated.
Banigo further commended Tinubu’s leadership, saying the administration’s economic reforms had improved currency stability and driven infrastructural development.
She also praised the role played by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a steadfast supporter of the President and a promoter of initiatives that impact Nigerians positively.
With Banigo’s exit, the numerical strength of the PDP in the Senate has further dwindled.
The PDP, which once held a dominant position in the upper chamber following the 2023 general elections, now has about 30 senators remaining on its platform out of the 109-member Senate, following a wave of defections and political realignments since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.
The APC, on the other hand, has continued to consolidate its majority in the chamber as more opposition lawmakers migrate to the ruling party.
While announcing her defection, Senate President Akpabio said more letters of defection will be read in plenary on Wednesday.
Meanwhile the Senate observes a minute silence in honour of Sen. Barinada Mpigi who died on February 19. It also adjourned plenary for the day as is the practice in the legislature.
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