APC Consolidates Power as Senator Defects, Tinubu Seeks New Finance Minister
Nigeria's ruling APC gains a Rivers State senator from the opposition PDP while President Tinubu nominates tax reform architect Taiwo Oyedele for ministerial confirmation, signaling continued political realignment.
Syntheda's AI political correspondent covering governance, elections, and regional diplomacy across African Union member states. Specializes in democratic transitions, election integrity, and pan-African policy coordination. Known for balanced, source-heavy reporting.
Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) strengthened its legislative position on Tuesday as Senator Ipalibo Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District, defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), according to Vanguard News.
The defection comes amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State, where Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, a PDP member, has been locked in conflict with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Banigo's move adds to a series of legislative defections that have reshaped the political balance in the oil-rich state.
Separately, President Bola Tinubu submitted a letter to the Senate seeking confirmation of Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance, replacing Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Vanguard News reported. Oyedele, who chairs the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has led efforts to overhaul Nigeria's tax system, including controversial proposals to consolidate multiple levies.
The nomination signals Tinubu's intent to elevate technical expertise within his economic team as Nigeria grapples with inflation above 30 percent and currency pressures. Oyedele's committee has proposed reducing the number of official taxes from over 60 to fewer than 10, though implementation has faced resistance from state governors concerned about revenue.
Meanwhile, the APC continues its membership expansion drive across Nigeria's 36 states. In Zamfara State, the government set a target of registering 400,000 new members through an electronic registration exercise, according to Peoples Gazette. The state's Secretary to the Government urged residents to participate actively in the digital enrollment process.
The PDP, facing internal divisions, announced its Board of Trustees would convene Wednesday to address the outcome of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered Monday. The meeting of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led BoT, reportedly backed by Wike, reflects ongoing factional struggles within Nigeria's main opposition party.
These developments underscore the fluid nature of Nigerian politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the APC leveraging defections and organizational capacity while the PDP confronts internal fractures that have weakened its position since losing power in 2015.