The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has revealed that she has faced repeated pressure from figures within the Presidency and the National Assembly to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but said she has consistently turned down the overtures.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the revelation during an interview on Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye and posted on YouTube on Saturday.
Responding to a question on whether the APC could become an option for her should the internal crisis in the PDP deepen, the senator dismissed the idea, stating that she has no plans to join the ruling party.
“No, I wouldn’t. I was in APC briefly at the start of everything. Why should I go and join APC?” she said. “I don’t have to follow the bandwagon. I don’t have to succumb to any threats or fall for any cajolery.”
According to her, the attempts to persuade her to defect have been frequent and have come from senior quarters, including the Presidency, as well as from fellow lawmakers.
“I have been approached many times. I have been approached by people from the Presidency, from even my colleagues,” she said. “Even as recently as yesterday, one joked about it: ‘We’re still expecting, we would love to have you.’ And I’m like, I love my space, I love my peace here. I’m okay with my party now.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan also addressed her political prospects, disclosing that conversations were ongoing within the PDP regarding a possible re-election bid in 2027, although she stressed that no final decision had been taken.
Commenting on speculations that former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, may seek the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027, the senator said she was unfazed.
“If by any chance I make up my mind after due consultation with my family, constituents and political party, and I am on the ballot against former Governor Yahaya Bello in 2027, then I would say, bring it on,” she said, noting that she had previously defeated a candidate backed by Bello in the 2023 election.
A first-term member of the 10th Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan secured the Kogi Central seat on the PDP platform after an election tribunal overturned the earlier declaration of APC candidate Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere.
She added that while she would most likely contest any future election on the PDP platform, a prolonged leadership crisis within the party could compel her to consider alternative options.
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