-O. Adejo
Sources within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) report that former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihediioha has been shortlisted as the running mate for Presidential hopeful, Atiku Abubakar.
According to his media aide, Ihedioha’s name is among others being considered but at the moment it is not yet certain if he will be chosen.
Ihedioha is rumoured to be favoured above others because of his relationship with Atiku and Sokoto state Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. Also, he played a vital role for Tambuwal in the build up to the primaries and was instrumental in his stepping down for Atiku.
There are wide speculations that the PDP plans to zone the Vice Presidency slot to the Southeast region of the party, due to the support the region has provided for the party over the years.
However, if Ihedioha is to emerge as the Vice President, a settlement needs to take place with Governor Nyesom Wike.
Wike was quoted at a thanksgiving service, shortly after the PDP convention, as saying “He stabbed us in the back.” Wike had narrated how he supported Ihedioha’s ambition to be Governor of Imo state before he was removed after 7months in office.
Ihedioha was a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and former Governor of Imo State. He was removed from office by a Supreme court judgement that favoured Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
2023: Emeka Ihedioha Shortlisted as Atiku’s Running Mate