Senator Ipalibo Banigo, who currently represents Rivers West Senatorial District, was disqualified from contesting the APC senatorial primaries, paving the way for former Rivers PDP chairman Felix Obuah to emerge as her replacement.
Banigo, a medical doctor trained at the University of Ibadan, previously served as deputy governor of Rivers State for eight years under former governor Nyesom Wike before moving to the Senate.
Political observers have linked her disqualification to the reported strained relationship between her and her former principal. Others also believe her perceived neutrality during the political rift between Wike and his successor contributed to growing doubts about her loyalty among party power brokers.
Her replacement has further highlighted the intense and unforgiving nature of Rivers politics, where political actors are often expected to openly declare and defend their loyalties.
