Senator Natasha Opens Up On Defecting to APC

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has disclosed that repeated efforts are being made to pressure her into joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), including approaches allegedly linked to the Presidency.

Speaking during a recent appearance on Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central said the overtures have intensified in recent times. 

However, she made it clear that leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not under consideration.

According to the senator, remaining in the PDP offers her stability and political comfort, qualities she said she does not take for granted in Nigeria’s tense political climate. 

She stressed that peace within her current party structure remains a major reason for staying put.

Moreover, Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that this was not the first time she had faced pressure to realign politically. 

At various stages of her career, she said similar attempts were made to influence her decisions, yet she consistently chose a path she believed aligned with her convictions.

Recalling a personal episode, the senator said she was once advised to relocate her political base to Delta State after marriage. 

That suggestion, she explained, was firmly rejected despite the pressures surrounding it.

“Each time these moments came, I had to prepare myself mentally and emotionally,” she said. “I knew what I stood for, and I was ready to bear the consequences.”

Furthermore, she urged women seeking elective offices to remain resolute, warning that political advancement often comes with subtle and overt intimidation. 

According to her, resilience is essential for women navigating Nigeria’s political terrain.

While acknowledging that she briefly belonged to the APC earlier in her political journey, Akpoti-Uduaghan said there was no justification for returning to the ruling party. 

She maintained that political growth does not require conformity or submission to influence.

“I don’t see politics as a bandwagon affair,” she said. “I won’t move because of threats, persuasion, or political convenience.”

She added that invitations to defect have come from several quarters, including colleagues and individuals she described as having access to the Presidency, with some approaches occurring shortly before the interview.

“I value my space and the peace I have now,” the senator said. “For me, that matters more than switching parties, and I am comfortable where I am.”

Hence, Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to the PDP, signalling that ongoing political pressures are unlikely to alter her stance anytime soon.