The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State, Mallam Sa’idu Umar has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former PDP governorship flag bearer, who is also regarded as a close political ally of former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, formally joined the APC during a meeting with the party’s leader in Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja.

His defection was disclosed by the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Senator Wamakko, Bashar Abubakar.

Explaining his decision to leave the opposition, Umar said he was attracted by what he described as the quality of leadership provided by Senator Wamakko and the performance of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.

According to him, the state government’s investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and rural development convinced him that the APC offers the most viable platform for sustaining Sokoto’s development.

While receiving the former opposition candidate into the APC, Senator Wamakko described the move as a major boost for the ruling party, saying it reflects growing confidence in the party’s leadership and governance.

He assured Umar and his supporters of equal treatment within the APC, stressing that the party remains open to individuals committed to promoting peace, unity and development in Sokoto State.

Umar served as Finance Commissioner and later Secretary to the Sokoto State Government during the administration of former Governor Tambuwal before emerging as the PDP’s governorship candidate in the 2023 elections.