Rivers West Senator Ipalibo Banigo has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defects to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made during a plenary session of the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday, March 10.
According to a letter read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Banigo stated her decision followed extensive consultations with constituents and political associates. She expressed her intention to align politically with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The senator further indicated her commitment to supporting efforts aimed at advancing the development of Rivers State within the framework of the APC.
Banigo, who represented the Rivers West Senatorial District under the PDP platform, becomes one of the latest prominent politicians to switch allegiance in Nigeria’s fluid political landscape. Her defection is particularly significant given the political dynamics in Rivers State, a key oil-producing region. Governor Fubara, who was elected on the PDP ticket, has been navigating a period of heightened political tension with a faction of the state’s PDP leadership, creating an environment where cross-party alliances have become more likely.
The move underscores the ongoing realignment of political forces in Rivers State, where federal-state relations often influence legislative productivity. By joining the APC, which controls both the executive branch and a majority in the National Assembly, Banigo positions herself to potentially secure greater legislative leverage for projects and federal appointments beneficial to her constituency.
For the PDP, the defection represents another loss of influence in a state it once dominated. The party has seen several of its members, including federal lawmakers, defect to the APC in recent years, weakening its organizational strength in the region. Conversely, the APC’s absorption of Banigo strengthens its claim to a broader national coalition and may facilitate smoother coordination between the Rivers State government and the federal administration on policy matters.
Banigo’s stated focus on development aligns with the APC’s federal agenda. Her switch may also be viewed in the context of Nigeria’s political cycle, where defections often intensify in the lead-up to general elections, as politicians seek secure platforms for re-election. The 2027 electoral cycle is already prompting strategic realignments across states.
The immediate next step involves Banigo’s formal integration into the APC’s parliamentary caucus. Her new affiliation is expected to reflect in her voting pattern and committee assignments as the Senate continues its legislative business. This defection highlights the persistent pragmatism in Nigerian politics, where personal, state, and federal interests frequently drive party allegiance over long-term ideological consistency. The development is likely to influence the political calculations of other lawmakers from Rivers State who remain in the PDP.
