The political landscape of Nigeria's Senate witnessed another major shift on Tuesday as Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District, formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmaker's defection letter was read on the floor of the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio shortly after plenary resumed, marking the latest in a series of political realignments following Monday's Court of Appeal ruling that reshaped Rivers State's political structure.
Banigo, who chairs the influential Senate Committee on Health, cited extensive consultations with constituents and political stakeholders in Rivers West Senatorial District as the foundation for her decision. In the letter dated March 2, 2026, the former Rivers State deputy governor pointed to the lingering crises within the PDP as a primary motivation.
"This decision follows extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates, and critical stakeholders across my Senatorial District," she wrote. The senator specifically highlighted the "prevailing internal divisions, protracted leadership disputes and ongoing litigations within the PDP" as factors that had undermined cohesion within the opposition party.
According to Banigo, the APC now presents a more stable platform for advancing the legislative and developmental interests of her constituency. "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 stated.
The senator explicitly linked her political move to the ongoing realignment in Rivers State, noting that she was aligning with her political mentor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.
Banigo framed her defection as enabling her to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and his re-election bid. "This decision is also predicated on my resolve to join my political mentor, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, and the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, in supporting the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in actualising his re-election bid," she stated.
The senator commended Tinubu's leadership, praising the administration's economic reforms for improving currency stability and driving infrastructural development. She also acknowledged the role of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a steadfast supporter of the President and a promoter of positive initiatives.
With Banigo's exit, the PDP's numerical strength in the Senate has further diminished. The party, which once held a dominant position following the 2023 general elections, now maintains approximately 30 senators out of the 109-member chamber following a wave of defections since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.
The APC continues to consolidate its majority as more opposition lawmakers migrate to the ruling party. Senate President Akpabio, while announcing Banigo's defection, revealed that more letters of defection would be read in plenary on Wednesday.
Before adjourning plenary for the day, the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who passed away on February 19. The chamber also adjourned plenary as is customary in legislative practice.
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