Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 Sokoto State election, Sa’idu Umar Ubandoma, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ubandoma, who was a close ally of former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was officially received into the APC by the party’s leader in Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja.
The development was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by Wamakko’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Bashar Abubakar.
Ubandoma previously served in the Tambuwal administration as Commissioner for Finance and later as Secretary to the Sokoto State Government. He also contested the 2023 governorship election as the PDP candidate.
Explaining why he left the PDP, Ubandoma said he was attracted by Wamakko’s leadership style, political maturity and inclusive approach.
He also praised the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, saying its development programmes and people-centred policies influenced his decision to join the APC.
According to him, the government’s efforts in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and rural development demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the lives of the people of Sokoto State.
Ubandoma added that lasting development can only be achieved through broad political cooperation among leaders committed to the progress of the state.
Welcoming the former PDP governorship candidate into the APC, Wamakko described the defection as a major gain for the party in Sokoto State.
He said the growing number of political leaders joining the APC reflects increasing public confidence in the party’s leadership and style of governance.
Wamakko also assured Ubandoma and his supporters that they would be fully integrated into the APC.
He added that the party remains open to individuals who are willing to contribute to the peace, progress and development of Sokoto State and Nigeria.
