The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State, Sa’idu Umar Ubandoma has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a development that could reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ubandoma was formally received into the APC by the party’s leader in the state, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja.
A former Commissioner for Finance and Secretary to the Sokoto State Government during the administration of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Ubandoma contested the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the PDP.
Speaking on his decision to join the APC, Ubandoma attributed his defection to what he described as the exemplary leadership and political maturity of Senator Wamakko, as well as the performance of the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
He said the state government’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development and other critical sectors convinced him that the APC offers the most credible platform for sustaining Sokoto State’s development.
Ubandoma maintained that the administration’s people-centred policies and development initiatives influenced his decision to align with the ruling party.
Welcoming the former PDP governorship candidate, Senator Wamakko described the defection as a major boost for the APC, saying it reflected the growing confidence of political leaders in the party’s leadership and development agenda.
He assured Ubandoma and his supporters of equal treatment and full integration into the party, adding that the APC remains open to all citizens committed to promoting unity, peace and sustainable development in Sokoto State.
The defection is widely seen as one of the most significant political realignments in Sokoto State ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
