Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has firmly rejected multiple overtures from members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Despite ongoing political challenges, the senator reaffirmed her commitment to her party, dismissing the idea of switching allegiance.

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan made these comments during an interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.

When asked if she would consider joining the APC if the PDP’s internal issues persist, Akpoti-Uduaghan was clear, “No, I wouldn’t. I was in APC briefly at the start of everything. Why should I go and join APC now? I don’t have to follow the bandwagon. I don’t have to succumb to threats or fall for any cajolery.”

 

The senator revealed that she had been approached several times by individuals from the Presidency and even some of her colleagues, with the latest offer coming just the day before the interview. “We’re still expecting you, we’d love to have you,” one colleague jokingly said. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed, “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.”

 

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In the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan also discussed the possibility of running for the Senate again. While not certain, she confirmed that the conversation was ongoing with her party.

The senator also addressed rumors about the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, potentially contesting a senatorial seat in 2027. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who triumphed over Bello’s preferred candidate in the 2023 elections, made it clear that she would not be intimidated by the former governor. “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,” she said.

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s victory in the 2023 Senate race marked her first term in the 10th Assembly. She defeated Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere of the APC, who had initially been declared the winner. After filing a petition at the election tribunal, the Lokoja-based tribunal ruled in her favor, nullifying Ohere’s victory and declaring Akpoti-Uduaghan the legitimate winner with 54,074 votes, surpassing Ohere’s 51,291 votes.

 

The senator concluded by emphasizing that if she chooses to run again in 2027, it will likely be under the PDP banner. However, she warned that if the party’s internal issues remain unresolved, she would not hesitate to switch parties. “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.”

 

Source: Punch