Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a political development that has sent ripples across Sokoto State's political landscape, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mallam Sa'idu Umar Ubandoma, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the leadership qualities of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and the developmental performance of Governor Ahmed Aliyu as key reasons for his decision. The announcement, which was made on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, marks a significant realignment in the state's politics, drawing a prominent figure from the camp of former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal into the APC fold.
Ubandoma, a seasoned public servant and professional banker, was formally received into the APC by Senator Wamakko, the leader of the party in Sokoto State, at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja. The development was contained in a statement issued by Wamakko's Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Bashar Abubakar, and subsequently confirmed by multiple media outlets and the official Sokoto State Government website. The defection represents a major boost for the APC, as Ubandoma is widely regarded as a core member of the Tambuwal political structure, having served in key positions during the former governor's administration.
Ubandoma's political journey has been marked by significant shifts. He flew the PDP's flag in the 2023 governorship election but lost to the incumbent Governor Ahmed Aliyu of the APC. Following the 2023 elections, he aligned himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he was a key stakeholder. However, after recently losing the ADC governorship ticket to Manir Dan'Iya, Tambuwal's former deputy, Ubandoma made the decisive move to join the ruling party. Explaining his decision, Ubandoma said he was inspired by the "quality of leadership and political maturity" demonstrated by Senator Wamakko over the years, and the "remarkable performance" of Governor Ahmed Aliyu in delivering people-oriented projects across Sokoto State.
In his remarks, Ubandoma specifically cited the administration's interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and rural development as factors that convinced him the APC remains the most credible platform for Sokoto's continued growth. "The remarkable strides of the current administration across critical sectors of the state's economy left me with no doubt that the APC is the party to deliver on the aspirations of the people of Sokoto State," Ubandoma stated. He also emphasised that sustainable development could only be achieved through broad-based political collaboration among stakeholders committed to the progress of Sokoto State.
Senator Wamakko welcomed the former PDP governorship candidate, describing his defection as a significant addition to the APC and a clear demonstration of the growing public confidence in the party's leadership and governance. He assured Ubandoma and his supporters of full integration into the party, stressing that the APC remained open to individuals willing to contribute to the peace, progress, and development of Sokoto State and Nigeria. "The APC is a home for all well-meaning citizens who are genuinely committed to the unity, peace and development of Sokoto State," Wamakko said.
Ubandoma, who previously served as Commissioner for Finance and later as Secretary to the Sokoto State Government (SSG) during the Tambuwal administration, brings a wealth of administrative experience to the APC. He reached the peak of his alliance with Tambuwal in the 2023 general elections, when he was handpicked as the PDP's consensus governorship candidate. His defection is expected to further reshape the political landscape ahead of future elections in the state, as the APC continues to consolidate its hold on Sokoto's political structure.
The defection also underscores the shifting dynamics within Sokoto's political space, as the APC, under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu and Senator Wamakko, continues to attract key opposition figures. The party has seen a growing number of political leaders defecting to its fold, a trend that Wamakko described as a reflection of the party's growing acceptance across the state. With Ubandoma's entry, the APC has further strengthened its position in Sokoto, as the party prepares for future electoral contests.
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