I’ve been approached by Presidency, lawmakers to defect to APC – Natasha

‘We are lawmakers, not actors’: Senator Adaramodu dismisses Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return as political stunt

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, has disclosed that she has been persistently courted by figures linked to the Presidency and some lawmakers to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but she insists she will not jump ship.

In a Mic On Podcast interview with Seun Okinbaloye, which was shared on YouTube over the weekend, the first-term lawmaker described repeated overtures from ruling party allies as unwelcome and unpersuasive.

“I’ve been approached many times, by people from the Presidency and even from my colleagues,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told the host.

“Even as recently as yesterday, someone joked, ‘We’re still expecting you, we would love to have you.’ But I love my space and my peace here. I’m okay with my party, so I don’t think I have to join the APC.”

The senator, who briefly belonged to the APC early in her political journey, made clear that she has no intention of returning to the ruling party, dismissing suggestions that she might defect amid the ongoing turmoil within the PDP.

Read also: Senator Natasha Uduaghan: An icon of selfless leadership

Akpoti-Uduaghan also addressed speculation about her political future. While she indicated ongoing discussions about seeking another Senate term, she stopped short of confirming her candidacy for 2027, saying such a decision would follow consultations with her family, constituents and party leadership.

The lawmaker further tackled rumours linking her to former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, who is widely anticipated to vie for a Senate seat.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said she would face him unhindered if they both contest the 2027 election, asserting that she was not intimidated by rumours of his ambitions.

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