I’ve been pressured to join APC, but I said no – Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has revealed that she has repeatedly turned down overtures from individuals within the Presidency and some of her colleagues in the National Assembly urging her to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the disclosure during an interview on Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye and shared on YouTube on Saturday.

When asked whether the APC could be an option for her should the internal crisis in the PDP deepen, the senator ruled it out categorically, insisting that she has no intention of joining the ruling party.

“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.”

She disclosed that the approaches had been persistent and came from high-ranking quarters, including officials close to the Presidency, as well as fellow lawmakers.

“I have been approached many times. I have been approached by people from the Presidency, from even my colleagues,” she said. “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.”

Speaking on her political future, Akpoti-Uduaghan said discussions were ongoing within the PDP about a possible re-election bid in 2027, although she stressed that no final decision had been taken.

On speculations that former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, may contest the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027, the senator said she was not intimidated, noting that she had already defeated a candidate backed by Bello in the 2023 election.

“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.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-term senator in the 10th National Assembly, won the Kogi Central seat on the platform of the PDP after the election tribunal nullified the earlier declaration of APC candidate, Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere.

She added that while she remains committed to the PDP, a prolonged leadership crisis within the party could compel her to consider other political options.

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