Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has revealed that she has faced persistent pressure from high-ranking officials, including individuals within the Presidency and her colleagues in the National Assembly, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite this, she has remained resolute in staying with the PDP.

In an interview with Seun Okinbaloye on Mic On, Akpoti-Uduaghan reflected on her early political career, noting that her brief period in the APC is a chapter she has closed. She emphasized that she has no plans to return to the party.

“I have been approached many times,” the senator said. “Honestly, people from the Presidency and even my colleagues have reached out. Just yesterday, someone jokingly mentioned they are still expecting me in the APC.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the idea of following what she called a political bandwagon. “Why should I go to the APC just because others are? I don’t have to succumb to threats or flattery,” she stated.

The lawmaker also discussed the gender-related challenges she has faced in politics, noting how her identity and marital status were often used against her ambitions. “At one point, I was told I wasn’t from Kogi State. Even after marriage, questions arose about why my husband is from Delta State and suggestions that I should contest there instead,” she recalled.

Despite these obstacles, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she had mentally prepared herself for the challenges of political life. “Each time I encountered difficulties, I was ready inwardly,” she explained.

She encouraged women interested in politics to persevere in the face of intimidation or systemic barriers. “It may be tough, but the strength is within you,” she said.

When directly asked if a switch to the APC could ever be an option, the senator was unequivocal. “No. No, no, no. I wouldn’t,” she affirmed.