By Peter Omopo
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has declared that she is not intimidated by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello amid speculations that he may contest her Senate seat in the 2027 general elections.
The senator made the remarks during an appearance on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, where she addressed reports linking Bello to a possible senatorial ambition.
Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed suggestions that she would be threatened by such a move, recalling her victory in the 2023 elections against candidates allegedly backed by the former governor.
“Let me make this very clear: I am not afraid of Yahaya Bello,” she said, adding that despite his influence as a former governor, she was able to overcome him politically.
She described her 2023 electoral success as decisive, noting that she won in all five local government areas of her district, while opting out of a contest in one locality she described as heavily rigged.
Warning ahead of the 2027 polls, the senator said any future contest between her and Bello would be decisive. “If we meet on the ballot in 2027, it won’t be a contest — it will be a reckoning. I am his nightmare,” she said.
On her political future, Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite what she described as repeated overtures from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and individuals linked to the presidency.
“I have been approached many times, by the presidency, by my colleagues, even by old political allies. Yet, I value my space, my peace, and above all, my people,” she said.
She added that any decision to seek re-election or pursue other political options would be taken after consultations with her family, constituents and party leadership.
However, the senator hinted that she could explore alternative platforms if the PDP fails to resolve its internal challenges before the next election cycle.
“If 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 said.
