Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has revealed that she was approached by individuals she said were linked to the Presidency to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but firmly rejected the move, insisting she remains committed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The lawmaker made the disclosure on Saturday during an interview on Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, where she said she was comfortable in the PDP and valued the peace and stability she currently enjoys within the party.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said the pressure to switch parties was not new, noting that she had encountered similar situations at different points in her political career but had always stood by decisions she believed were right.
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Reflecting on past personal and political challenges, the senator recalled being advised to relocate her political base to Delta State after her marriage, a suggestion she said she declined.
“At each time I had such challenges, I had to brace myself. I was ready for it,” she said.
She urged women aspiring to public office to remain resolute and focused, despite the obstacles they may face on their political journey.
The senator noted that although she was briefly a member of the APC at the early stage of her political career, she had no reason to return to the ruling party.
“I don’t have to follow the bandwagon. I don’t have to succumb to any threats or fall for any cajolement,” she said.
According to her, approaches to lure her to the APC had come from different quarters, including individuals in the Presidency and some of her colleagues, as recently as a day before the interview.
“I love my space. I love my peace here. I’m okay with my party now, so I don’t think I have to join the APC,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
