Former governorship candidate and one-time ally of ex-Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Alhaji Sa’idu Umar Ubandoma, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the leadership of Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and the performance of Governor Ahmed Aliyu as reasons for his decision.
Former Sokoto State governorship candidate, Alhaji Sa’idu Umar Ubandoma, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ubandoma, a former close political associate of ex-Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was formally received into the APC by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko during a meeting in Abuja.
Ubandoma previously served as Commissioner for Finance and later Secretary to the Sokoto State Government during the Tambuwal administration. He also contested the 2023 governorship election as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate before his recent political realignment.
Announcing his decision, Ubandoma said he was attracted by what he described as Senator Wamakko’s leadership qualities, political maturity and inclusive approach to governance.
He also praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration, stating that ongoing projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and rural development convinced him that the APC government is committed to improving the lives of Sokoto residents.
Ubandoma’s defection is regarded as another notable political development in Sokoto as parties continue to reposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers have noted increasing movement of prominent politicians across party lines in recent months, with both the APC and opposition parties seeking to strengthen their structures before the next electoral cycle.
Welcoming Ubandoma into the APC, Senator Wamakko described the defection as a major boost for the party in Sokoto State.
He assured the former governorship candidate and his supporters of full integration into the APC, adding that the party remains open to individuals willing to contribute to the development and progress of the state.
Ubandoma, in turn, pledged to work with the APC leadership to promote unity, peace and sustainable development across Sokoto State.
Ubandoma’s move represents another shift in Sokoto’s political landscape as parties continue to build alliances ahead of 2027. With preparations for future elections gradually gathering momentum, political observers expect more defections and realignments in the months ahead as key stakeholders reposition themselves for the contests to come.