Tambuwal's close ally moves to APC after losing governorship ticket in Sokoto

An ally of former Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Sa’idu Ubandoma, who was the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), switched parties after losing the ADC ticket to Manir Dan’Iya, Tambuwal’s former deputy.

He made this announcement at the Abuja home of Senator Aliyu Wamakko. Wamakko represents Sokoto North District and leads the APC in Sokoto.

Mr Ubandoma is a former banker and a well-known public servant. He was the Commissioner for Finance and later became the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) during Tambuwal’s time as governor.

In the 2023 governorship election, he represented the PDP but lost to the current governor, Ahmed Aliyu of the APC.

Bashar Abubakar, media aide to Mr Wamakko, released a statement where Mr Ubandoma explained that he was inspired to join the APC because of Wamakko’s strong leadership and political skills.

He also mentioned the people-focused projects that Governor Aliyu is implementing across Sokoto State.

Ubandoma was seen as one of Tambuwal’s most trusted supporters and was part of his close circle during Tambuwal’s governorship from 2015 to 2023.

He began his career in Tambuwal’s government as the Commissioner for Finance and was later promoted to Secretary to the State Government (SSG). This role made him a key player in the administration.

His connection with Tambuwal peaked during the 2023 elections. There were claims that Tambuwal overlooked many veteran PDP members, including his own deputy governor, to select Ubandoma as the consensus governorship candidate for the PDP.

Despite this, Ubandoma lost the election to the APC’s candidate, who is now Governor Aliyu.