Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has revealed that she has consistently turned down offers to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite persistent efforts from individuals in the Presidency and some of her colleagues in the Senate, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member made it clear that she has no intention of joining the APC.
Persistent Offers to Defect
In an interview on the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, Akpoti-Uduaghan shared that her defection had been a topic of conversation with several influential figures, including those from the Presidency and her fellow senators. She emphasized that the pressure was not a one-off occurrence, saying she had been approached multiple times. She even recounted a recent joke from a colleague about the possibility of her joining the APC, to which she firmly responded that she was content with her current position in the PDP.
Her Stance on APC
Asked if the PDP’s internal crisis could push her to consider the APC as an alternative, she rejected the idea outright, citing her past brief involvement with the APC at the onset of her political journey. She said, “No, I wouldn’t. I was in APC briefly at the start of everything. Why should I go and join APC?” She clarified that she had no desire to follow the “bandwagon” or succumb to “threats or cajolery” from those urging her to switch parties.
Political Future and Potential Re-election
Akpoti-Uduaghan also discussed her future political plans, noting that discussions within the PDP were ongoing about her potential re-election bid in 2027. While nothing had been finalized, she expressed her commitment to her current party, even though she warned that a prolonged leadership crisis in the PDP could lead her to reconsider her options.
Facing Yahaya Bello in 2027?
When asked about the possibility of facing former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the 2027 Kogi Central senatorial race, Akpoti-Uduaghan was confident and unshaken. She stated that she was not intimidated by the speculation, asserting, “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 also reminded her audience that in the 2023 elections, she had already defeated a candidate backed by Governor Bello.
Electoral History
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, in her first term in the 10th Assembly, won her Kogi Central seat after an election tribunal annulled the earlier victory of the APC’s Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere. Her victory was significant, as it highlighted her ability to overcome political opposition and legal challenges.
PDP vs. APC: The Choice
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to remain in the PDP for now reflects a desire to maintain political independence and avoid the APC’s influence, despite offers from some quarters. However, her warning about the PDP’s internal crisis is a cautionary note, signaling that if the party’s challenges continue, she may be forced to explore alternative political options in the future.
Looking Ahead
While Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently committed to the PDP, her political future could still depend on the party’s internal dynamics. Her stance is a reminder that political loyalties can be fluid, especially when the internal health of a party is uncertain. If the PDP can resolve its crises and regain stability, she is likely to stay on its platform, but if things worsen, she may be forced to explore other avenues.
Her resilience and unwavering confidence in her political journey, particularly her ability to face down heavyweights like Yahaya Bello, suggest she will remain a force in Kogi politics regardless of the party platform she stands on in the future.
