Senator Ipablibo Banigo-Harry, who represents the Rivers West Senatorial District, has spoken out against her exclusion from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the same seat. During a press briefing on Monday at her ward in Obuama, located in Degema Local Government Area, she argued that as a sitting senator, she was entitled to participate in the contest.
The former Deputy Governor of Rivers State criticized the party’s decision, cautioning that the APC might lose experienced female politicians at a time when the nation is focusing on enhancing women’s involvement in governance. She emphasized the importance of fielding the best candidates for national politics to bring benefits back to the state.
Banigo-Harry urged her supporters to remain calm and called on the national leadership of the APC to look into the issue and resolve it promptly. She expressed confidence that the party would act based on equity, justice, fairness, and gender sensitivity. Noting that there are only four women in the National Assembly, she stressed the need to increase female representation, especially those with proven legislative experience who could contribute effectively in a second term.