I Resisted Pressure from Presidency, Senators to Join APC, Reveals Senator Natasha

Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan of Kogi Central has revealed that she has been repeatedly urged by members of the Presidency and some senators to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move she firmly rejects.

Speaking in a recent interview on the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, the senator emphasized that she will remain loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite the ongoing pressure. Natasha, who had a brief association with the APC earlier in her political career, said the attempts to coax her into the ruling party amounted to cajoling and political inducements she finds unacceptable. She described her decision to stay with the PDP as a commitment to her political identity, personal peace, and the interests of her constituents. She also hinted at the possibility of contesting for the Senate again in 2027, although that decision is still under consideration. The senator’s statement comes amid a wave of defections from the PDP and other opposition parties to the APC, which has strengthened the ruling party’s majority in the National Assembly and heightened pressure on opposition lawmakers. Analysts say her refusal to switch parties is a rare display of political defiance in a climate where party realignment is increasingly common ahead of general elections. Senator Natasha’s political journey has been marked by tensions with the Senate leadership, particularly with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Earlier in 2025, she was suspended for six months following disagreements over seating arrangements and alleged breaches of Senate rules. During her suspension, her office was sealed, and she was denied access to her legislative staff. Critics described the suspension as politically motivated, arguing that it denied her constituents proper representation. A Federal High Court later ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional, leading to the reopening of her office and reinstatement to her legislative duties, though procedural disputes with Senate leadership continue. Civil society groups and opposition figures have applauded Natasha’s steadfastness, viewing it as a principled stand against the growing culture of defections in Nigerian politics. Analysts note that her stance underscores the ongoing power struggles within the 10th National Assembly, highlighting the tension between vocal opposition senators and the ruling APC. As the 2027 elections approach, Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s resolve to remain in the PDP positions her as a notable figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics, symbolizing resistance to coercion and the preservation of political integrity in an era of increasing party realignments.