Tinubu embraces ex-Sokoto gubernatorial hopeful, calls for party cohesion

President Bola Tinubu has extended a warm welcome to Sa’idu Umar Ubandoma, the former Sokoto State governorship candidate, upon his return to the All Progressives Congress, viewing this move as a significant boost for the party.

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Ubandoma's homecoming was formally marked with a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday night, where he was presented to the President by Senator Aliyu Wamakko, the APC leader in Sokoto State.

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A statement released on Wednesday by Aliyu Tukur, on behalf of Ubandoma, revealed that President Tinubu expressed his pleasure at the former governorship candidate's decision to rejoin the APC, promising him full support and integration into the party.

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President Tinubu was quoted as saying, "I am delighted to welcome you back to the APC, you have my support, and you will be fully integrated into the party," underscoring his commitment to Ubandoma's reintegration.

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The President also encouraged Ubandoma to nurture his working relationship with Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, aiming to fortify the party's presence in Sokoto State.

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President Tinubu emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "Sustain your close working relationship with Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto as we continue to strengthen the APC and consolidate the progress already recorded."

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The meeting between the President and Ubandoma was described as cordial and productive, with discussions centered on bolstering the APC's position in Sokoto State and fostering greater unity within the party.

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Ubandoma's return to the APC follows his recent defection from the African Democratic Congress, a party he joined after a brief stint in opposition.

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Prior to his move to the ADC, Ubandoma had served as the Peoples Democratic Party's governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, and had also held roles as Commissioner for Finance and Secretary to the Sokoto State Government.