Medical doctor turned politician, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress. She was  deputy governor of Rivers under Nyesom Wike.

Banigo said her decision was to align politically with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and to support efforts to advance development in the state as well as support the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

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

In the letter, Banigo stated, “I rise to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues of the Senate of the decision to defect from the People’s Democratic Party and subsequently join the APC.

“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.”