Sokoto Ex-PDP Governorship Candidate Defects To APC

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).

NEWSNGR reports that Ubandoma, a former ally of ex-Sokoto State governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was formally 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 served in key positions during the Tambuwal administration, including as Commissioner for Finance and later as Secretary to the Sokoto State Government. He was also the PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 general election.

Explaining his decision to dump the PDP for the APC, Ubandoma said he was influenced by what he described as Wamakko’s leadership style, political maturity and inclusive approach.

He also praised the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, saying its development programmes and people-focused policies convinced him to join the ruling party in the state.

According to him, the government’s interventions in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and rural development showed a clear commitment to improving the lives of residents.

Ubandoma added that sustainable development could only be achieved through broad-based political collaboration among stakeholders committed to the progress of Sokoto State.

Receiving the former PDP governorship candidate, Wamakko, described his defection as a major boost for the APC in Sokoto State.

He said the increasing number of political figures joining the party was a reflection of growing public confidence in the APC’s leadership and style of governance.

Wamakko assured Ubandoma and his supporters that they would be fully integrated into the party.

He added that the APC remained open to individuals willing to contribute to the peace, progress and development of Sokoto State and Nigeria.