The political landscape in Kogi State has shifted significantly as scores of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pledging their loyalty and support to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The mass defection took place in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, where Senator Natasha, the current representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District, personally received the new PDP members in what is being described as a major political statement in the region.
Prominent among the defectors are the former Chairman of Okehi Local Government, Hassan Yusuf; Special Adviser to the Okehi Council Chairman, Hajia Rafatu Haruna; and a notable APC stalwart, Omuya Longman. They were joined by dozens of their supporters, all of whom publicly renounced their allegiance to the APC.
In her remarks, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan welcomed the defectors warmly, emphasising that grassroots mobilisation and community engagement remain central to her political philosophy.
READ ALSO: Senate tells Natasha to stay away from National Assembly Tuesday
“This is not just about strengthening the PDP in Kogi Central,” she said. “It’s about building a formidable political force that cannot be defeated in any free and fair election in Nigeria.”
She reassured the new members of her commitment to inclusive leadership and reiterated that her core responsibility as a PDP senator is to widen the party’s reach and consolidate its influence across the region.
“My responsibility is to strengthen the PDP and bring more people into our fold. The movement you are witnessing here is not ordinary—it’s a reflection of the trust people have in our vision for a better Kogi,” she added.
Senator Natasha also used the occasion to call for ideological clarity in Nigeria’s political system. She lamented that many political parties in the country often turn to violence and intimidation when ideology and genuine engagement fail.
“I look forward to a time when Nigerian political parties will be defined by their beliefs and principles. When that is missing, desperation takes over,” she warned.
In a show of solidarity, the Kogi State PDP Chairman, Enemona Anyebe, described the wave of defections as a resounding vote of confidence in Senator Natasha’s leadership style and vision.
“This is not an ordinary event,” Anyebe said. “It’s a political revolution happening under our eyes. The people are clearly responding to Senator Natasha’s inclusive, transparent, and development-driven approach.”
Political analysts believe the latest developments are a warning sign for the APC in Kogi, especially as the 2027 general elections begin to appear on the horizon. Senator Natasha’s growing influence in the state—and within the PDP—may reshape the balance of power, particularly in Kogi Central, a region long considered a battleground.
As the PDP continues to consolidate its base in Kogi State, many observers are watching closely to see how the APC will respond to what appears to be an increasingly energised and expanding opposition.
