2027: PDP Still Strong, Return Home, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Tells Defectors*

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) holding elective offices who recently defected to other political parties to retrace their steps, insisting that the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections remain promising.

Speaking in Abuja while extending an olive branch to the defectors, the Kogi Central lawmaker expressed confidence that those who left the PDP would soon realise that “it is not greener on the other side,” regardless of the platforms they have joined.

Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that when she joined the PDP in late 2023, the party had a significantly stronger presence in the Senate, with 37 senators. She lamented that sustained political pressure and defections have since reduced that number drastically to six, describing the development as a challenge that requires collective resolve to reverse.

Despite the setbacks, the senator maintained that the PDP remains a formidable political force with deep-rooted national acceptance, stressing that its relevance and resilience are evident in the continued support it enjoys among Nigerians.

She further argued that leadership crises are not peculiar to the PDP, pointing out that virtually all political parties in the country grapple with internal challenges.

According to her, such issues should not be sufficient justification for abandoning the party.

Urging her colleagues to return, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was convinced beyond doubt that with renewed unity, commitment, and strategic engagement, the PDP would reclaim its strength and secure electoral victories across board.

She also cautioned defectors against relying on promises of automatic tickets from their new parties, warning that such assurances are often political bait designed to attract members without long-term guarantees.

Welcoming potential returnees, the senator expressed optimism about the party’s rebuilding efforts and prayed for smoother political engagements as the PDP intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.