2023 Sokoto PDP Governorship Candidate Sa’idu Umar Ubandoma Defects to APC Ahead of 2027

In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mallam Sa’idu Umar Ubandoma, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ubandoma was formally received into the APC by the party’s leader in Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto), during a meeting at the senator’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja.

A seasoned administrator and politician, Ubandoma previously served as Commissioner for Finance and later as Secretary to the Sokoto State Government under the administration of former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. He was the PDP’s governorship candidate in the 2023 election.

Speaking after his defection, Ubandoma said his decision was influenced by what he described as the leadership qualities and political maturity of Senator Wamakko, as well as the performance of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.

According to him, the state government’s projects and policies in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development, and other key sectors convinced him that the APC provides the most viable platform to advance Sokoto State’s development.

Reacting to the development, Senator Wamakko described Ubandoma’s decision to join the APC as a major boost for the party. He said the defection reflected growing confidence in the APC’s leadership and governance agenda.

The senator assured Ubandoma and his supporters of equal treatment and full integration into the party, reiterating that the APC remains open to all citizens committed to the peace, unity, and development of Sokoto State.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Bashar Abubakar, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.