Breaking: Another Senator Dumps PDP For APC, Details Emerge
- Senator Ipalibo Banigo defects from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
- Banigo said her defection is in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision and Governor Sim Fubara's leadership
- The Rivers West senator said her defection follows internal PDP disputes and aims to ensure political cohesion
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja - Senator Ipalibo Banigo has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Banigo’s defection letter was read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Source: Facebook
As reported by The Punch, the federal lawmaker said her decision to join APC is to advance development in Rivers State and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District, said her decision is intended to align politically with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The senator also appreciated President Tinubu’s role in fostering political stability and strengthening governance in Rivers State.
“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.
“This decision is also predicated on my resolve to join my political mentor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in supporting President Bola Tinubu, to actualize his re-election bids and enable the President to continue his evident economic reforms, which have significantly improved the economic situation, enhanced currency stability, and driven numerous infrastructural developments across our dear nation.”
After reading the letter, Akpabio welcomed Banigo to the APC, noting that “a seat is already prepared” for her and others who are going to join the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Source: Facebook
Zamfara governor dumps PDP, defects to APC
Recall that Zamfara state governor and his loyalists defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
The move increased APC’s grip on state governments, with the party now governing more than 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states.
Governor Dauda Lawal ended months of speculation by formally aligning with the president after delaying his defection.
Read more stories on PDP to APC defections:
- Two Rivers Senators Loyal To Wike Defect To APC, Details Emerge
- 4 Rivers House of Reps Members Resign from PDP, LP, Join APC, Full List Emerges
- Rivers Speaker, 15 Other House of Assembly Members Defect to APC, Full List Emerges
- Drama as Rivers Lawmakers Who Defected to APC Told They’ve Lost Seats, Details Emerge
- Rivers Governor Fubara Resigns from PDP, Defects to APC, Gives Reason
Six Rivers Reps defect to APC from PDP
Legit.ng earlier reported that six lawmakers from Rivers state defected from the PDP to the ruling APC.
The defections followed the recent exit of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and 15 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the PDP.
The development significantly strengthened the APC’s political grip in Rivers, one of Nigeria’s most strategic states.
Source: Legit.ng
