By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, the lawmaker representing Rivers West Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking another significant shift in the political landscape of Rivers State.
Banigo’s decision was officially communicated to the Senate during plenary on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, when Senate President Godswill Akpabio read her defection letter before lawmakers in Abuja. The development instantly increased the numerical strength of the APC caucus in the Senate and further weakened the PDP’s influence in the oil-rich Niger Delta state.
Explaining the reason behind her departure from the PDP, Banigo cited persistent internal divisions, leadership disputes, and ongoing litigations that have plagued the party in recent months. According to her letter, the crisis had significantly undermined cohesion and effective political coordination within the party structure.
The senator also revealed that her decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders, associates, and constituents across Rivers West Senatorial District. She emphasized that the move was intended to reposition her politically and align with ongoing political realignments in Rivers State.
Political observers believe the defection is closely linked to the influence of key Rivers political figures, including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, both of whom have played prominent roles in shaping the state’s evolving political dynamics.
Banigo, a medical doctor and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State between 2015 and 2023, was elected senator in 2023 on the PDP platform before her dramatic switch to the APC.
Her defection underscores the deepening political realignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Analysts argue that the movement of influential politicians from opposition parties to the ruling APC could significantly reshape political alliances, particularly in strategically important states like Rivers.
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