A bold, undeniable truth emerges: even seasoned politicians face tempting overtures from rival camps, yet Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan stands firm in her chosen allegiance. The Kogi Central senator has revealed that figures from the Presidency and colleagues within her own ranks have repeatedly urged her to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress. Her response has been a clear and steady no, underscoring unwavering loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party amid a period of political turbulence.
In a recent appearance on the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, which YouTube posted over the weekend, Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed her stance. When asked whether APC could become an option if PDP fortunes falter, she replied without hesitation: she would not switch camps. She reminded listeners that she once had a brief stint in APC at the very outset and questioned why she would rejoin a bandwagon or yield to pressure, threats, or cajolery.
Her defenses were firm: she has repeatedly been approached, including by people from the Presidency and even by fellow lawmakers. Just recently, someone teased that APC would still love to have her. Her answer was consistent: she appreciates her current space and peace, and she remains content with her party, making a move to APC unlikely.
Beyond party loyalty, Akpoti-Uduaghan hinted at potential future political plans, including another Senate run. However, she indicated that such a decision is still under discussion with her party, and nothing is set in stone.
The senator also addressed rumors about Yahaya Bello, the former Kogi State governor, possibly seeking a 2027 senatorial seat. She stated that she harbors no fear of him. If, after thorough consultation with family, constituents, and her party, she chooses to run against Bello in 2027, she is ready to face the challenge.
In the current 10th Assembly, Akpoti-Uduaghan serves as a first-term senator for Kogi Central, a district that Bello represented as governor. She won the 2023 election on the PDP ticket, defeating Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere of the APC, who initially appeared poised to win. After contesting the result, she pursued legal channels to challenge Ohere’s victory. In September, the Lokoja tribunal nullified Ohere’s win and declared Akpoti-Uduaghan the winner with 54,074 votes to Ohere’s 51,291.
If she decides to run again, she suggested the PDP would likely be her platform, though she warned that unresolved PDP leadership disputes could prompt a party switch. She added a readiness to act swiftly: if a decision to run in 2027 is made and PDP’s crisis remains unresolved, she could switch platforms within a month, bringing her supporters along.
What this all means: loyalty, strategy, and the ever-shifting sands of party affiliation in Nigerian politics remain at the forefront of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s narrative. Do you agree with her stance on staying with PDP regardless of pressure, or do you see value in exploring alliances beyond familiar parties? Share your thoughts in the comments.
