Senator Natasha rebuffs defection pressure, says no going back to APC

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has disclosed that she has repeatedly been urged by individuals linked to the Presidency and by some colleagues to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

She, however, said she has turned down the overtures, stressing her decision to remain with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite the party’s internal challenges.

Akpoti-Uduaghan made the disclosure during a recent interview on the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, shared on YouTube on Saturday.

Responding to a question on whether the APC could be an option if the PDP crisis persists, she said, “No, I wouldn’t. I was in APC briefly at the start of everything. Why should I go and join APC?

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“I don’t have to follow the bandwagon. I don’t have to succumb to any threats or fall for any cajolery.

“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.”

The lawmaker also indicated that discussions were ongoing about her possible re-election bid, noting that while she may seek another term in the Senate, “it is not certain.”

She further addressed speculations that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, may contest the senatorial seat in 2027, saying she was unperturbed by the possibility.

“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.

“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,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is a first-term senator in the 10th Assembly, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, which is also Bello’s district.

She won the seat in the 2023 general election on the PDP platform after defeating Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere of the APC.

Ohere was initially declared winner of the election, prompting Akpoti-Uduaghan to challenge the outcome at the election petition tribunal.

In September, the tribunal sitting in Lokoja nullified Ohere’s victory and declared Akpoti-Uduaghan the winner with 54,074 votes, ahead of Ohere’s 51,291 votes.

She added that if she decides to contest again, it would most likely be under the PDP, but noted that she could be compelled to seek another platform if the party fails to resolve its leadership crisis.

“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,” she said. [TheNiche excluding headline]