The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has disclosed that she has received several overtures from the ruling All Progressives Congress to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, but insists she has no intention of leaving her party.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said the approaches came from individuals within the Presidency as well as some of her colleagues, noting that she has consistently turned down the offers despite the internal challenges currently facing the PDP.
She made the disclosure during an interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, which was shared on YouTube on Saturday.
Responding to questions on whether she would consider joining the APC if the crisis in the PDP persists, the senator said she was not interested, stressing that she had no reason to return to a party she once briefly belonged to.
“I was in the APC at the beginning of my political journey. I don’t see why I should go back. I don’t follow the bandwagon or succumb to pressure or inducement,” she said.
According to her, the most recent approach came just a day before the interview, adding that she is comfortable with her current political space and has no motivation to defect.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also revealed that discussions are ongoing about her possible re-election bid, although she noted that no final decision has been taken.
She dismissed speculations that the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, poses a threat to her political future, should he decide to contest for the Senate in 2027.
“If after consultations with my family, constituents and party I decide to run again, and my name appears on the ballot against Yahaya Bello, then it is a contest I am ready for,” she said, adding that she defeated Bello’s candidate in 2023 despite the odds.
The senator, a first-term lawmaker in the 10th National Assembly, recalled that she won the Kogi Central senatorial seat on the PDP platform after the election tribunal nullified the earlier declaration of the APC candidate.
She noted that although her preference is to contest again under the PDP, she may consider another platform if the party fails to resolve its leadership crisis before the next general election.
“If the PDP has not put its house in order by the time I make up my mind to contest in 2027, I will explore other options. My people will stand with me,” she added.
