The lawmaker representing Rivers West Senatorial District at the Nigerian Senate, Ipalibo Banigo has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Banigo announced her resignation from PDP at the plenary on Tuesday, March 10.
In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Banigo said her decision to defect to the APC follows extensive consultations with her constituents and political associates.
The letter which was read to members of the Red Chamber by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio said, “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.
In addition, the lawmaker also cited some of the internal crises rocking the PDP leadership as part of her reasons for leaving the party.
“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.
“I am convinced that the All Progressive Congress offers a more stable and progressive platform to advance the legislative and developmental agenda of my constituency and the nation at large,” she added.
Appreciating the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara for their influence in her political career, Banigo said she has chosen to align with the belief of these men.
“This decision is also predicated on my resolve to join my political mentor, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, and the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, in supporting the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu GCFR, to actualize his re-election bid,” she said.
Also expressing support for the economic policies adopted by President Bola Tinubu, the lawmaker noted that she appreciates the president’s role in promoting political stability in Rivers state.
“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 enhanced currency stability and driven numerous infrastructural developments across our dear nation.
“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.
She further affirmed her commitment to working with other lawmakers within the APC both at the state and national level to set the country on the right path towards development.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the APC in the 10th Senate to continue serving the people of Rivers West senatorial district and Nigerians at large.”
