Senator Banigo defects to APC, cites desire to back Tinubu's presidential bid as motivation

Senator Ipalibo Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District, has made a significant move by defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, citing her desire to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid as the primary motivation behind her decision.

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According to Banigo, her decision to join the APC was also influenced by her alignment with key figures such as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and Governor of Rivers State Siminalayi Fubara, who are backing the president's political agenda.

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During a Senate plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read out Banigo's letter of defection, titled "Notice of Formal Defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress", which outlined her reasons for leaving the PDP.

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Banigo's letter revealed that she made the decision to defect after consulting with her constituents, political associates, and other stakeholders, and that internal divisions and leadership disputes within the PDP played a significant role in her move to the APC.

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By joining the APC, Banigo aims to lend her support to President Tinubu's economic reforms and ongoing development initiatives across the country, which she believes will have a positive impact on the nation.

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Prior to her defection, Banigo served as Deputy Governor of Rivers State under the administration of Nyesom Wike, bringing a wealth of experience to her new role in the APC.

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The consequences of Banigo's defection are clear, as the number of PDP senators in the 10th Senate has decreased from 18 to 17, a significant shift in the Senate's composition compared to the 36 seats the party held at its inauguration in June 2023.

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The current Senate composition now stands at APC 81, PDP 17, NNPP 1, APGA 1, ADC 5, and NDC 1, with 106 serving senators out of the required 109, due to the deaths of three lawmakers whose seats remain vacant.

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In a statement to journalists, Banigo expressed her admiration for President Tinubu's work and stated that he deserves support to continue his reforms and development programmes, which she believes are crucial for the country's progress.

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Banigo also praised the initiatives of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, particularly her work in supporting women and youth across the country, which has had a profound impact on these groups.

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The completion of the Bonny Road project in Rivers State was cited by Banigo as one of the infrastructure developments that influenced her decision to defect to the APC, highlighting the party's commitment to development.

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In a related development, President Tinubu has transmitted the 2026 statutory budget of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to the Senate for consideration and approval, a move that is subject to the legislative authority of the National Assembly.

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The letter conveying the budget proposal was read during plenary by Senate President Akpabio, following the lawmakers' return from a three-week recess held for committee budget defence sessions, marking an important step in the budget approval process.