2,343 APC members who switched to the Peoples Democratic Party in Sokoto State to run for governor have been welcomed by Saidu Umar, the party's candidate for governor.

At the Ubandoma/Sagir Mainiyo Old Market Development Association's opening ceremony on Thursday, Umar welcomed the new PDP members. This information was provided in a statement that Umar's assistant Nafiu Lema provided to reporters on Friday.

APC supporters in Sokoto switch to the PDP

Umar reassured the defections that they would participate in all party activities, especially now that the campaigns had started. He urged them to put more effort into gaining support and advancing the party and its regional candidates.

Outlining his agenda for empowerment programs, Umar stated that his administration would provide opportunities for the state's youth and women if elected.

He praised the association's chairman, Abdulrashid Maccido, for empowering men and women in the area and urged other businesspeople in the party to follow suit.

Umar was accompanied to the event by Abdullahi Maigwandu, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs; Abdulqadir Junaidu, the Commissioner for Animal Health and Fisheries; and Bashir Gidado, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry.

Others included the Chairmen of the Local Government Councils of Sokoto North and Sokoto South, Mustapha Shehu Sokoto, and Faruku Sayudi, respectively.