reports that while other incumbent governors had earlier been screened on Saturday, Fubara and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, were initially absent from the exercise.

Responding to concerns over the absences, the Chairman of the Screening Committee, who also serves as APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, explained that governors with official state duties were excused.

He said, “Three governors have not come, so that is the issue. I said you should not single one person out when three governors have not appeared. All of them have their reasons for not appearing, and we know they are chief executives of their states with state responsibilities.”

He added that any governor engaged with official duties, including those from Kwara, Ebonyi, and Rivers States, would be granted flexibility.

However, Fubara later arrived at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge, the venue of the screening, at about 3pm on Sunday.

Sources said he participated briefly but left the screening room after about 20 minutes, visibly upset.

According to Daily Trust, the governor appeared visibly agitated and declined to speak with journalists who had been waiting for hours.

When approached for comments on the outcome of the exercise, he simply responded, “No comment.”

Following the incident, uncertainty has grown around Fubara’s political future and his re-election prospects.

The governor has been involved in a prolonged political rift with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, his former political ally.

There have also been speculations that Wike may be backing another candidate, including the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, for the Rivers governorship race.

reports that the aspirants also endorsed former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, as their preferred candidate for the senatorial position.

The decision was reportedly reached during a high-level meeting held in Abuja and said to have lasted several hours before a final agreement was concluded.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the aspirants — Usman Bala, Sha’aban Sharada, Muhammad Zango, Danyaro Yakasai, Abbas Sani Abbas, and Shehu Isa Driver — said their withdrawal was motivated by the need to promote unity and peace in Kano State.

They explained that their endorsement of Shekarau was part of a broader effort to foster political stability and cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, Shekarau recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC after what he described as wide consultations and careful political considerations.

He made the announcement at his residence on Mundubawa Avenue in Kano, where APC supporters gathered.

The former governor said his decision followed extensive deliberations aimed at arriving at a collective political direction.

He also moved alongside Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, another notable PDP figure who joined the APC at the same time.

reports that Bwala, in an interview on Symfoni TV on Saturday, said he once believed Tinubu might politically target him over his past criticisms during his time in the opposition.

He explained that he had even considered leaving Nigeria to pursue his PhD, thinking he could face retaliation if Tinubu assumed power.

According to him, rather than any form of political revenge, Tinubu later reached out to him and invited him to serve in his administration.

Bwala said, “I feared Tinubu would hunt me down. Leadership dynamics can be complex, I must be honest.”

He added that many of those who had criticised Tinubu, including himself, expected backlash after the election outcome.

He said, “When I was in the opposition, I thought if President Tinubu came to power, he would go after me. That was when I decided to leave and focus on my PhD and stay out of Nigeria’s political space.”

Bwala noted that instead of hostility, the president extended an invitation for him to join the government.

He also highlighted Tinubu’s leadership approach, describing it as one that seeks engagement rather than retaliation against critics.

Meanwhile, Bwala recently revealed that President Tinubu made attempts to reach out to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar after the 2023 presidential election.

He claimed Tinubu sent emissaries to Atiku as part of efforts to establish communication, but the delegation was reportedly denied access to the former presidential candidate’s residence.