Atiku Loses Staunch Supporter, Audu Mahmood, Leads Thousands of PDP Members to APC in Jigawa

Atiku Loses Staunch Supporter, Audu Mahmood, Leads Thousands of PDP Members to APC in Jigawa

  • Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has lost another solid ally to the All Progressives Congress (APC)
  • The pioneer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) New Generation, Audu Mahmood, has switched camps with the ruling party
  • Mahood was one of the key figures in the presidential campaign of the former vice president in February 2023

Legit.ng journalist Segun Adeyemi has over 9 years of experience covering political events, civil societies, courts, and metro

Mallam-Madori, Jigawa - Audu Mahmood, the founding figure and ex-director-general of PDP New Generation, has switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with a substantial following comprising thousands from Garun Gabas Ward and beyond in Mallam-Madori local government area of Jigawa State.

Previously serving as the PDP Youth Leader, Mahmood had a significant impact during the recent 2023 elections, being instrumental in rallying numerous youths nationwide to support the PDP's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the broader PDP agenda.

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Audu Mahmood was a staunch supporter of Atiku Abubakar
The ex-PDP chieftain founded the PDP New Generation support group for Atiku Abubakar's presidential ambition. Photo Credit: Audu Mahmood
Source: Facebook

Mahmood, who orchestrated PDP’s success in Garun Gabas Ward during the 2023 elections in Mallam-Madori LGA of Jigawa State, officially switched allegiance to the APC on Sunday, February 4, 2024.

He was joined by a large following, including former PDP executives such as Alh Ya’u Abdullahi, Yakubu Mohammed, Abubakar Muhammed Wakil, Mallam Isyaku, Adamu Abdullahi, Aminu Ibrahim, and several others from various wards.

This defection comprised individuals from diverse demographics within the local government area.

Why I dumped PDP for APC

In a chat with Legit.ng, Mahmood mentioned that the decision to lead thousands of PDP members to APC was due to what he called a popular demand and was inspired by the achievements of Jigawa State governor, Mallam Umar Namadi.

He noted that the governor has made a significant difference in people's lives and fostered unity through various empowerment and developmental initiatives, particularly in fields like education, healthcare, and sports.

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Mahmood said:

"Looking at the achievements of His Excellency Governor Umar Namadi, within a short time, his principles and leadership style were some of the things that attracted me as a person actually to consider joining the APC."

A lavish welcome event for defectors occurred on Sunday, February 4, 2024, with notable figures in attendance.

Senator Mustapha Makama Kiyawa represented the governor of Jigawa State.

Adamu Mohammed, his Chief of Staff and Principal Private Secretary, respectively, graced the occasion.

Among the guests were vital members of the APC, including Alh. Aminu Sani Gumel, the state chairman; Alh Abdullahi Ango, the zonal chairman for Hadeija Zone; and other prominent party figures such as Alh Isa Gerawa and Pharm Hashim Ubale Yusuf.

Also present were local government officials like Alh Bako Haruna BK of Mallam-Madori and various Special Assistants to the governor alongside numerous government and political appointees.

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Tinubu meets Atiku's ex-Spokesperson, Bwala, in France

In another report, President Bola Tinubu met with the former spokesperson of Atiku Abubakar, Daniel Bwala, for the second time in France.

Bwala, a chieftain of the PDP, announced on social media his meeting with the President on Monday for the second time in two weeks.

During their meeting in Paris, the PDP chieftain disclosed that President Tinubu shared his thoughts about saving Nigeria.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Segun Adeyemi avatar

Segun Adeyemi (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Segun Adeyemi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience as an active field reporter, editor, and editorial manager. He has had stints with Daily Trust newspaper, Daily Nigerian, and News Digest. He currently works as an editor for Legit.ng's current affairs and politics desk. He holds a degree in Mass Communication (Adekunle Ajasin University). He is a certified digital reporter by Reuters, AFP and the co-convener of the annual campus journalism awards. Email: segun.adeyemi@corp.legit.ng.