Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has revealed that she has faced repeated pressure from individuals within the Presidency and some of her colleagues in the National Assembly to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but she has firmly rejected the move.
Speaking on Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator ruled out joining the APC, even if the internal crisis within her party worsens.
“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.
”Akpoti-Uduaghan said the approaches have been persistent and came from “high places,” including within the Presidency and the Senate.
“I have been approached many times. I have been approached by people from the Presidency, from even my colleagues,” she disclosed. “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.
”On her political future, the first-term senator said discussions were ongoing within the PDP about a possible re-election bid in 2027, though no final decision had been made. She also dismissed speculations that former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, could intimidate her if he contests the Kogi Central seat.
“If by any chance I make up my mind after due consultation… and I am on the ballot against former Governor Yahaya Bello in 2027, then I would say, bring it on,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan won the Kogi Central seat on the PDP platform after the election tribunal nullified the earlier victory of the APC candidate in 2023. While she reaffirmed her loyalty to the PDP, she warned that a prolonged leadership crisis in the party could force her to consider other options.
