Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has openly addressed growing speculations about her alleged plan to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
She firmly dismissed the claims and made it clear that she has no intention of joining the ruling party.
The Kogi Central lawmaker revealed that she has been under pressure from different quarters to defect, including individuals linked to the presidency.
She stated clearly, “I have been approached by people from the presidency to join the APC.”
Senator Natasha made these remarks during an on-air interview session on Mic on Podcast, titled “Chat with Natasha Akpoti.”
The interview focused on her political journey, party loyalty, and the challenges she has faced as a woman in Nigerian politics.
Speaking on personal and political pressure, the senator recounted how she was once advised to abandon her political base after getting married.
According to her, she was told to contest elections in Delta State instead of Kogi because her husband is from there. She explained that such challenges did not weaken her resolve.
She said she had prepared herself mentally for resistance and setbacks. She added that women aspiring to enter politics must understand that the road can be tough, but they already possess the strength needed to succeed.
Addressing questions about her political future, Senator Natasha was emphatic when asked whether the APC could be an option if things do not go well in the PDP. She responded firmly, “No. No?” When pressed further on whether she would ever return to the APC, she replied, “No, no, no, I wouldn’t.”
She clarified that she had a brief stint with the APC at the early stage of her political career but made it clear that she has no plans to return. According to her, the current wave of defections to the APC does not justify her own move.
She questioned the idea of joining a party simply because others are doing so. She stated that she does not believe in following political trends or bandwagons. She also emphasized that she would not yield to pressure, threats, or inducements to abandon her principles.
The senator admitted that attempts to lure her into the APC are ongoing. She said these approaches have come from colleagues and influential figures, including very recent ones.
She disclosed that even as recently as the previous day, a colleague jokingly mentioned that they were still expecting her to join the APC.
Despite these approaches, Senator Natasha maintained that she is content where she is. She said she values her peace and personal space and remains comfortable within her current party.
She concluded by stating that she sees no reason to leave the PDP at this time, insisting that her political decisions will not be dictated by pressure or political convenience.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.