By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO — 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, a former ally of ex-Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was received into the APC by the party’s leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja.
His defection was announced in a statement on Tuesday by Wamakko’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Bashar Abubakar.
Ubandoma previously served as Commissioner for Finance and later as Secretary to the Sokoto State Government during the Tambuwal administration. He was also the PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 general election.
Explaining his decision to join the APC, Ubandoma said he was influenced by what he described as the leadership style, political maturity and inclusive approach of Senator Wamakko.
He also commended the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, citing its development initiatives and people-focused policies as factors that informed his decision.
According to him, the government’s efforts in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and rural development demonstrated its commitment to improving the lives of residents.
Ubandoma added that sustainable development requires broad-based political collaboration among stakeholders committed to the progress of Sokoto State.
Welcoming the former PDP governorship candidate into the party, Wamakko described the defection as a significant addition to the APC.
He said the growing number of political leaders joining the party reflected increasing public confidence in its leadership and governance.
Wamakko assured Ubandoma and his supporters of full integration into the APC, stressing that the party remains open to individuals willing to contribute to the peace, progress and development of Sokoto State and the country.