Saidu Umar, popularly known as Ubandoma Sokoto and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Sokoto State during the 2023 election, has resigned from the party, citing unresolved leadership disputes at the national level.
Umar announced his resignation in a letter dated March 10, 2026, addressed to the PDP chairman of Sarkin Adar Kofar Atiku Ward in Sokoto South Local Government Area.
“I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) effective immediately,” Umar stated in the letter.
The former governorship candidate’s exit follows closely on the heels of former Sokoto State governor and current Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s defection from the PDP, a move that has intensified political realignments in the state.
Umar explained that ongoing internal disputes and legal battles over the party’s leadership structure made it increasingly difficult to maintain unity and effective political engagement within the PDP.
“The lingering legal challenges and the existence of parallel leadership at the national level have unfortunately remained unresolved and continue to hinder unity, stability, and effective political engagement within the party,” he said.
Despite stepping down, Umar expressed gratitude to the PDP for giving him the platform to contest the 2023 elections and for the support he received from party members and leaders.
“I remain sincerely grateful to the party for the confidence reposed in me through the opportunity to contest as its governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections in Sokoto State,” he added.
Umar also reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles and the development of Sokoto State.
“While I step aside from formal membership of the party, I remain committed to the pursuit of good governance, democratic values, and the continued development of our dear state and nation,” he said.
Copies of Umar’s resignation letter were sent to both the PDP chairman in Sokoto South Local Government Area and the state party chairman. His resignation adds to a growing list of defections linked to the PDP’s ongoing leadership crisis at the national level.
