Malam Sa'idu Umar Ubandoma and Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko
The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State, Malam Sa’idu Umar Ubandoma, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ubandoma’s defection took place in Abuja at the Asokoro residence of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the APC leader in Sokoto State and senator representing Sokoto North Senatorial District.
Before venturing into politics, Ubandoma built a successful career in the banking sector before moving into public service. During the administration of former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, he served as Commissioner for Finance and later as Secretary to the Sokoto State Government.
He was later chosen by the PDP as its governorship candidate in the 2023 election but lost to the incumbent Governor Ahmed Aliyu of the APC.
According to a statement issued by Senator Wamakko’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bashar Abubakar, Ubandoma said he decided to join the APC because of what he described as the outstanding leadership of Senator Wamakko and the impressive performance of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
He said the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development and other key sectors convinced him that the APC remains the best platform to drive the continued growth and development of Sokoto State.
Reacting to the development, Senator Wamakko described the defection as a major boost for the APC. He said it reflects the growing confidence many political leaders have in the party’s leadership and development agenda.
The former governor assured Ubandoma and his supporters of equal treatment and full participation in the affairs of the party. He also stressed that the APC remains open to all citizens who are committed to the peace, unity and development of Sokoto State.
Political observers believe the move did not come as a surprise, as there had been speculation about Ubandoma’s possible exit from the PDP following the emergence of Manir Dan’Iya as the governorship candidate of the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections.
