I’ve Been Approached to Join APC, But I Won’t Defect — Natasha
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has disclosed that she has been approached on several occasions by individuals linked to the Presidency and some of her colleagues to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmaker, however, said she rejected the moves, stressing her commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite the internal crisis currently facing the opposition party.
Akpoti-Uduaghan made the disclosure during an interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye and shared on YouTube.
Responding to questions on whether joining the APC was an option if the PDP crisis persists, the senator dismissed the idea, noting that she had previously been in the APC and saw no reason to return.
She said she had no intention of following political pressure or inducement, adding that she was comfortable and at peace within her current political space.
The senator also revealed that discussions are ongoing about her possible re-election bid for the Senate, though she noted that nothing had been concluded.
On speculations that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello may contest the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was not intimidated, recalling how she defeated Bello’s preferred candidate in the 2023 election.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-term senator in the 10th National Assembly, emerged winner of the Kogi Central seat after the Election Petition Tribunal in Lokoja nullified the earlier declaration of APC candidate Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere and awarded her victory with 54,074 votes.
She added that while she intends to remain in the PDP, unresolved leadership issues could force her to consider another political platform ahead of 2027.
Source: Punch
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