Rivers Senator Ipalibo Banigo Decamps From PDP To APC

Senator Ipalibo Banigo, who represents Rivers West Senatorial District, has decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Her decision was made known during Tuesday’s Senate plenary after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter she submitted to inform the chamber of her move.

In the letter, Ipalibo Banigo explained that she reached the decision after discussing with people in her constituency, political allies, and other key stakeholders.

She said the ongoing internal conflicts, leadership struggles, and court cases within the PDP played a major role in her choice to leave the party.

“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,” her letter reads.

“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.”

With her defection, the number of senators belonging to the APC in the Senate has now risen to 80, bringing the number of female senators in the ruling party’s caucus to two.

ALSO READ: Benue Assembly Minority Leader Abu Umoru Defects From PDP To APC