Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has dismissed speculation that she is intimidated by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, declaring that she is fully prepared to confront him politically ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan made the remarks during an appearance on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, amid growing reports that Bello may be considering a return to elective politics by contesting the Kogi Central senatorial seat.
Reacting to the speculation, the senator said she harbours no fear of the former governor, insisting that she had already defeated Bello’s political machinery during the 2023 elections.
“Let me make this very clear: I am not afraid of Yahaya Bello,” she said.
“He may have been governor, wielded enormous power, and attempted to influence every corner of the political process, but I overcame him.”
Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan recalled that she secured victory across all five local government areas in her district during the last election cycle, despite what she described as widespread intimidation and electoral manipulation.
She noted that she deliberately refrained from participating in what she termed a “heavily compromised” poll in one locality, yet still emerged victorious.
“If we meet on the ballot in 2027, it won’t be a contest; it will be a reckoning,” she said. “I am his nightmare.”
Beyond the looming electoral battle, the senator also addressed speculation surrounding her political future and possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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She revealed that she has received repeated overtures from the All Progressives Congress (APC), including individuals linked to the Presidency, but maintained that she remains loyal to the PDP.
“I have been approached many times by the Presidency, by my colleagues, even by old political allies,” Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
“Yet, I value my space, my peace, and above all, my people.”
She stressed that any decision regarding future elections would be guided by consultations with her family, constituents, and party leadership.
However, the senator warned that her continued stay in the PDP would depend on the party’s ability to resolve its lingering internal crises.
“If the PDP hasn’t settled its internal crisis before the elections, I would need just a month to choose a platform of my choice, and my people will move with me,” she stated.
Her comments have further intensified political calculations in Kogi State, where alignments ahead of 2027 are already taking shape, and where the prospect of a rematch between Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan and Bello could redefine the state’s political landscape.
