Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has disclosed that she is facing persistent pressure from high-ranking individuals within the Presidency and several of her colleagues in the National Assembly to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator, however, has firmly rejected all entreaties, insisting she is committed to her party.
Akpoti-Uduaghan made the revelation during a recent interview on the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, which was posted on YouTube Saturday.
When directly asked if the APC would become an option should the internal crises plaguing the PDP worsen, the Senator swiftly ruled it out. “No, I wouldn’t. I was in APC briefly at the start of everything. Why should I go and join APC?” she asked rhetorically. “I don’t have to follow the bandwagon. I don’t have to succumb to any threats or fall for any cajolery.”
She detailed the high level of the persistent approaches, confirming that they originate from key figures, including those within the Presidential Villa. She noted that fellow senators frequently attempt to persuade her to switch sides.
“I have been approached many times. I have been approached by people from the Presidency, from even my colleagues,” she confirmed. “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.”
Undeterred by 2027 Rumours
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that while nothing is yet decided, discussions about a possible re-election bid are already underway within the PDP.
Regarding circulating speculations that the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, might contest the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027, the first-term Senator stated that she is entirely unintimidated.
“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 declared. She pointed out that she successfully defeated a candidate backed by the former governor during the 2023 elections.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is a first-term Senator in the 10th Assembly, secured her seat on the PDP platform only after the election tribunal rightfully nullified the initial declaration of the APC candidate, Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere. She maintained that should she contest again, it would most likely be on the PDP platform, but she did caution, that a prolonged leadership crisis within the party could potentially force her to explore other options.
