It can be recalled that Atiku Abubakar won the PDP Presidential Primaries two days ago, edging pass Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
However, Mr Ihedioha, who was a Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, is eyeing the Imo state governor's seat.
Party sources revealed that Atiku began consultation with top PDP leaders a day after he won the primary of the party on Saturday night, May 28.
Ihedioha was also part of those who pressurized Tambuwal to step down for Atiku hours before voting commenced at the PDP presidential primary.
Tambuwal stepped down for Atiku during the convention paving the way for the Adamawa-born politician to defeat his closest rival and Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike.
A source privy to the meeting said: “Tambuwal’s camp had put forward the name of Ihedioha, but Atiku was not favorably disposed to it at first, and Ihedioha himself rejected it.”
While there have been reports of Atiku narrowing his choice to either Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom or Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, the former vice president is keen on having bloc votes from the South East, especially as the region has always supported the PDP since 1999.
The source added: “The recent comments of Ohanaeze Ndigbo that they never threatened to work against Atiku in the 2023 polls is now making Atiku reconsider Ihedioha provided the former governor accepts the offer. “
He wants the South East votes badly because he knows they always tilt towards the PDP every election cycle.”
A source in Ihedioha’s camp also confirmed the authenticity of the rumours but stated that his principal still has his eyes on becoming the Imo state governor.