There are strong indications that former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, is in pole position, to emerge running mate to former Vice President and PDP presidential flag-bearer, Atiku Abubakar.
Since Atiku emerged the PDP presidential flag-bearer, Ihedioha has stood out among other top party stalwarts from the South East, to be considered for the VP slot.
This newspaper however gathered that the former Governor of Imo State, is also enjoying the backing of some powerful Northern forces in the PDP for the plum job, including his ally and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal.
Tambuwal took part in the presidential primary but stepped aside for Atiku, a major move which aided Atiku to defeat his fiercest challenger, Governor Nyesom Wike, of Rivers State.
“Tambuwal is in the picture and if there is someone he will favour for the VP ticket for the South East, it is Emeka Ihedioha, who has remained not just his bossom friend, but inseperable allies, since their days in the House of Representatives” the source said.
Ihedioha is also known to have a good relationship with Atiku, having enjoyed a harmonious working relationship with the ex VP in the past.
Analysts and close observers of the political undercurrents shaping the choice of Atiku’s running mate contend
that Ihedioha has emerged the most favoured PDP Chieftain from the South East to be VP, after the exit of Peter Obi to the Labour Party, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe to APGA and Ike Ekweremadu to the APC.
Ihedioha was removed as Governor of Imo State by the Supreme Court in January 2020. The nation’s apex court replaced him with Hope Uzodimma of the APC.
