The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has disclosed that she rejected several offers to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite pressure from individuals linked to the Presidency and some of her colleagues.
Natasha made the revelation during an interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, which aired on YouTube on Saturday. Accordingly, she said she has no plans to join the APC and remains committed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
When asked whether the APC could become an option if challenges within the PDP persist, she responded, “No, I wouldn’t. I was in APC briefly at the start of everything. Why should I go and join APC?”
‘I Won’t Succumb to Pressure’ — Natasha
Furthermore, the senator said she refused to bow to threats, inducement, or political persuasion aimed at forcing her defection.
“I don’t have to follow the bandwagon. I don’t have to succumb to any threats or fall for any cajolery,” she said.
She explained that the offers came from different quarters, including people connected to the Presidency and fellow lawmakers.
“I have been approached many times. I have been approached by people from the Presidency, from even my colleagues. 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, so I don’t think I have to join the APC.”
Natasha Speaks on 2027 Senate Ambition
In addition, Natasha said conversations were ongoing within the PDP about her possible re-election bid in 2027. However, she noted that no final decision has been taken.
She also addressed speculation that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, might contest the Kogi Central senatorial seat. According to her, the possibility does not intimidate her.
“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.
“I am not scared of Yahaya Bello. I am his nightmare. He was a sitting governor and wielded all the powers at his disposal against me, and I defeated his candidate in 2023.”
Background to Natasha’s Senate Victory
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a first-term senator in the 10th National Assembly, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. She won the seat on the PDP platform in the 2023 general election.
Although electoral officials initially declared APC candidate Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere as winner, Natasha challenged the result at the election tribunal. In September, the tribunal sitting in Lokoja nullified the declaration and awarded her victory with 54,074 votes.
She said she would likely contest again on the PDP platform. However, she warned that unresolved leadership issues within the party could force her to consider alternative options.
“If by any chance I decide to contest in 2027 and the PDP hasn’t resolved its crisis, I need just a month to choose a platform of my choice, and my people will move with me.”
