The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has disclosed that she has been repeatedly approached by individuals linked to Nigeria’s presidency to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the lawmaker has firmly rejected the advances, insisting that she is content and at peace within her current political party.
Akpoti-Uduaghan made the revelation during an interview on Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye on Saturday. Speaking candidly, the senator said the pressure to change political allegiance was not new to her, noting that she has faced similar challenges at various points in her political journey.
According to her, even her marriage once became a subject of political debate, with some suggesting that she should abandon her political base in Kogi State and instead contest elections in Delta State, where her husband hails from. She explained that such moments required resilience and self-belief, qualities she believes are essential for women aspiring to succeed in politics.
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Reflecting on her experiences, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she has learnt to stand her ground despite external pressure. “At each time I had such challenges, I had to brace myself,” she said, adding that she was prepared for the difficulties that come with public life. She encouraged women considering political careers to recognise their inner strength, despite the often tough and discouraging nature of the terrain.
The senator revealed that although she was once briefly associated with the APC at the early stage of her political career, she has no intention of returning to the party. She questioned the rationale behind defecting simply to follow prevailing political trends or to satisfy powerful interests.
“I don’t have to follow the bandwagon. I don’t have to succumb to any threats or fall for any cajolement,” she said. Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that the overtures to defect were ongoing, disclosing that she had been contacted by people from the presidency and even by some of her colleagues as recently as the day before the interview.
Despite the persistent efforts, she maintained that her loyalty remains firmly with the PDP. “I love my space. I love my peace here. I’m okay with my party now,” she stated, adding that she saw no compelling reason to abandon her political home.
Her remarks come amid a broader trend of defections between Nigeria’s major political parties, often driven by strategic calculations ahead of future elections. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s stance underscores a growing emphasis among some politicians on personal conviction and political stability over expediency.
