I joined APC to support Tinubu’s re-election, says Senator Banigo after dumping PDP

—Senate composition shifts as APC strengthens majority

By Henry Umoru, Abuja

Senator Ipalibo Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying her decision was aimed at supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Banigo said she also aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in backing the president’s political agenda.

Her letter of defection was read on the floor of the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.

In the letter titled “Notice of Formal Defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress,” Banigo said her decision followed consultations with constituents, political associates and other stakeholders.

She explained that internal divisions and leadership disputes within the PDP influenced her move to the APC.

Banigo also stated that joining the APC would enable her to support President Tinubu’s economic reforms and ongoing development initiatives across the country.

The senator previously served as Deputy Governor of Rivers State during the administration of Nyesom Wike.

Her defection reduced the number of PDP senators in the 10th Senate from 18 to 17, compared with the 36 seats the party held at the inauguration of the Senate in June 2023.

With the latest development, the current composition of the Senate stands at APC 81, PDP 17, NNPP 1, APGA 1, ADC 5, and NDC 1.

There are currently 106 serving senators out of the constitutionally required 109, following the deaths of three lawmakers whose seats remain vacant.

Speaking with journalists after the announcement of her defection, Banigo said President Tinubu deserved support to continue his reforms and development programmes.

She also expressed admiration for the work of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, particularly her initiatives supporting women and youth across the country.

Banigo cited the completion of the Bonny Road project in Rivers State as one of the infrastructure developments that influenced her decision.

In a related development, President Tinubu has transmitted the 2026 statutory budget of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to the Senate for consideration and approval.

The letter conveying the budget proposal was read during plenary by Senate President Akpabio after lawmakers resumed from a three-week recess held for committee budget defence sessions.

The National Assembly exercises legislative authority over the Federal Capital Territory, making the approval of the FCT budget the responsibility of the federal legislature.

The post I joined APC to support Tinubu’s re-election, says Senator Banigo after dumping PDP appeared first on Vanguard News.