The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has revealed that she has been repeatedly urged by individuals linked to the Presidency and some of her colleagues in the National Assembly to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite the persistent pressure, she said she has firmly turned down all such approaches.
Speaking during an interview on Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, which was posted on YouTube on Saturday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator made it clear that joining the APC is not an option for her, even if the internal crisis within her party worsens.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said she has no intention of following the crowd or giving in to political pressure. She explained that she had once been part of the APC at the early stage of her political journey, but saw no reason to return. According to her, she values her independence and is unwilling to be swayed by threats or persuasion.
The senator disclosed that the attempts to lure her into the APC have come from high-ranking quarters, including within the Presidency, as well as from fellow lawmakers. She noted that some of the approaches were casual, even joking, but remained persistent. However, she said she is comfortable in her current political space and prefers the peace she has within the PDP.
On her political future, Akpoti-Uduaghan said conversations are ongoing within her party regarding a possible re-election bid in 2027, though no final decision has been made. She stressed that any move she makes will be after consultations with her family, constituents, and party leaders.
Addressing speculation that former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello may contest the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027, the senator said she is not intimidated. She expressed confidence in her political strength, recalling that she had already defeated a candidate backed by Bello during the 2023 election.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-term senator in the 10th National Assembly, secured her seat on the PDP platform after an election tribunal overturned the earlier declaration of APC candidate Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere. While she said she is likely to contest again under the PDP, she warned that a prolonged leadership crisis within the party could compel her to consider other options.
