Sa'idu Ubandoma, a former ally of ex-Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. Ubandoma, who was the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the switch after losing the ADC ticket to Manir Dan'Iya, Tambuwal's former deputy.
Defection announcement at Wamakko's residence
He announced his defection at the Asokoro, Abuja residence of Aliyu Wamakko, the senator representing Sokoto North District and leader of the APC in Sokoto. Ubandoma, a former banker turned seasoned public servant, previously served as Commissioner for Finance and later as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Tambuwal's administration.
Wamakko's media aide, Bashar Abubakar, in a statement quoted Ubandoma as stating that the exemplary leadership and political maturity of Wamakko drove his decision to join the APC. He also cited the people-oriented projects being delivered by Governor Ahmed Aliyu across Sokoto State.
Ubandoma's political journey
Ubandoma flew the PDP's flag in the 2023 governorship election but lost to the incumbent governor, Ahmed Aliyu of the APC. He was widely regarded as one of Tambuwal's most trusted loyalists and a core member of his inner circle during Tambuwal's tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.
A professional banker, Ubandoma joined Tambuwal's administration as Commissioner for Finance; he was later elevated to SSG, effectively making him the engine room of the administration. He reached the peak of his alliance with Tambuwal in the 2023 general elections, when Tambuwal allegedly bypassed several foundational PDP members and heavyweight politicians, including his own deputy governor Dan'Iya, to handpick Ubandoma as the PDP's consensus governorship candidate.
Impact of the defection
Ubandoma's defection is seen as a significant blow to the ADC and a boost for the APC in Sokoto State, as he brings along his political experience and network. His move follows a trend of opposition figures joining the ruling party, with former Ondo governor Olusegun Mimiko also recently defecting to the APC.
