Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has publicly stated her refusal to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite multiple approaches from individuals within the Presidency and her colleagues. In a recent interview on the Mic On Podcast, she reaffirmed her loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), highlighting her commitment to the party amidst ongoing political challenges.
When asked if she would consider joining the APC if her situation in the PDP deteriorated, Akpoti-Uduaghan firmly rejected the notion, recalling her brief association with the APC at the beginning of her political career. She expressed her desire to remain independent and not yield to external pressures or temptations.
The senator also discussed her potential candidacy for re-election, indicating that discussions with her party are ongoing, although no final decision has been made. She addressed speculation regarding the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who may run for a senatorial seat in 2027, asserting her confidence in facing him if she chooses to run again. Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized her past electoral victory over Bello’s candidate in 2023, stating that she is not intimidated by him.
Currently serving as a first-term senator in the 10th Assembly, Akpoti-Uduaghan won her seat in 2023 on the PDP platform, successfully contesting against the APC’s Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere, whose initial victory she sought to overturn through legal channels.
