The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has revealed that she has on several occasions been urged by individuals linked to the Presidency and by some of her colleagues in the National Assembly to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but said she has consistently turned down such overtures.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made this known during an interview on Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye and shared on YouTube on Saturday.
Responding to a question on whether she might consider joining the APC if the internal crisis within the PDP deepens, the senator dismissed the idea, stating clearly that she has no plans to align with the ruling party.
“No, I wouldn’t. I was in the APC briefly at the beginning. Why would I go back there?” she said. “I don’t need to follow the crowd, bow to pressure, or be swayed by inducements.”
She explained that the efforts to woo her had been frequent and came from influential quarters, including the Presidency, noting that even fellow senators had tried to convince her to cross over.
“I’ve been approached repeatedly—by people from the Presidency and by my colleagues,” she said. “As recently as yesterday, someone jokingly said, ‘We’re still waiting; we’d love to have you.’ But I’m comfortable where I am. I value my peace, and I’m fine with my party for now.”
Speaking on her political plans, Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that conversations were ongoing within the PDP regarding a possible re-election bid in 2027, though she stressed that no final decision had been taken.
Addressing rumours that former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, might seek the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027, the senator said she was not fazed by the prospect.
“If after consultations with my family, constituents, and party I decide to run again, and I find myself on the ballot against former Governor Yahaya Bello, then I say, bring it on,” she declared, recalling that she defeated a Bello-backed candidate in the 2023 election.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-term lawmaker in the 10th National Assembly, secured her seat on the PDP platform after an election tribunal overturned the initial victory of APC candidate Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere.
She concluded by saying that while she would most likely seek re-election under the PDP, an unresolved and prolonged leadership crisis within the party could compel her to consider alternative political options.
