Sen. Ipalibo Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District, has defected from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read Banigo’s letter announcing her defection during plenary on Tuesday.
Banigo, in the letter, said that her decision followed extensive consultations with her constituents and political associates.
“I write to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues in the senate of the decision to defect from the Peoples the Democratic Party (PDP) and subsequently join the All Progressives Congress, APC,” she said.
The senator said that internal divisions and leadership disputes within the PDP influenced her decision.
“The decision follows extensive consultations with my constituents, my political associates and critical stakeholders across my senatorial district.
“The decision also followed the prevailing internal divisions, protracted leadership disputes and ongoing litigations within the PDP, which have adversely affected cohesion,” she said.
According to her, APC provides a stable platform to advance her legislative and developmental agenda.
“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,” she said.
Banigo also said the development was influenced by her decision to align politically with the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike and Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers.
“This decision is also predicated on my resolve to join my political mentor, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike and the governor of Rivers, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, in supporting President Bola Tinubu to actualise his re-election bid.
“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,” she stated.
The senator commended the president’s effort in promoting political stability in Rivers.
“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 said.
Banigo also pledged support for the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in the ‘motherly role’ she had consistently played to support the president.
