Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has revealed that individuals from the Presidency and some of her colleagues in the National Assembly have repeatedly urged her to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but she has consistently turned down the offers.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the disclosure during an interview on the Mic On Podcast, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, which was posted on YouTube on Saturday.
Responding to questions about whether she would consider joining the APC if the internal crisis within the PDP worsens, the senator ruled out the possibility, insisting she has no intention of returning to the ruling party.
“No, I wouldn’t. I was in the 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.”
She disclosed that the approaches had come from “high places,” including officials connected to the Presidency, as well as fellow lawmakers within the National Assembly.
“I have been approached many times — by people from the Presidency and even my colleagues,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said. “As recently as yesterday, one joked, ‘We’re still expecting; we would love to have you.’ But I love my space, I love my peace here. I’m okay with my party for now.”
The first-term senator also spoke about her political future, noting that discussions were ongoing within the PDP regarding a possible re-election bid in 2027, though she stressed that no final decision had been taken.
Addressing speculation that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, may seek to contest the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was not intimidated.
> “If after due consultation with my family, my constituents and my party I decide to run, and I am on the ballot against former Governor Yahaya Bello, then I would say, bring it on,” she said.
She added that she had previously defeated a candidate backed by Bello during the 2023 general election.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the 10th National Assembly, emerged as senator for Kogi Central on the PDP platform after an election tribunal nullified the earlier declaration of APC candidate Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere
