Morning recap: Atiku-Tinubu clash widens, Dangote threatens petrol export, other top stories

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The 2027 political battle takes centre stage this morning as Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu trade words over the petrol subsidy removal and the controversial $16bn power projects.

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Also in focus are Dangote Refinery’s threat to export petrol amid rising imports, INEC’s preparations for the 2027 polls, the EFCC’s move to reward information leading to the recovery of stolen assets abroad and the Federal Government’s decision to halt foreign scholarships and redirect funds to domestic education.

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Atiku-Tinubu faceoff widens over subsidy and $16bn power projects

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged the Federal Government to investigate and prosecute him if it has evidence linking him to the alleged $16bn power expenditure during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

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Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, accused the President Bola Tinubu-led government of reviving old allegations to divert attention from questions over the use of revenues saved from petrol subsidy removal. He also demanded greater accountability over the resources generated since the subsidy was removed.

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Atiku argued that Nigerians had endured higher petrol, transportation and food costs since the subsidy removal and questioned the government’s fiscal priorities. The Presidency, however, criticised his position on subsidy, accusing him of making contradictory proposals on whether he would restore the policy if elected in 2027.

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Read here: https://punchng.com/2027-politics-atiku-tinubu-faceoff-widens-over-subsidy-16bn-power-projects/

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Dangote threatens to export petrol as imports rise

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has threatened to export excess petrol stocks as rising imports create uncertainty around domestic demand and make inventory planning increasingly difficult.

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The refinery said imported Premium Motor Spirit accounted for approximately 43 per cent of fuel supplied into Nigeria in July, despite its capacity to meet and exceed domestic demand. It said the continued issuance of import licences had made it difficult to determine future demand and maintain appropriate inventory levels.

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Dangote Refinery said surplus petrol not absorbed by the domestic market would have to be exported to regional and international markets. It called for greater transparency, improved market coordination and policies that support local refining, enhance energy security and maximise the benefits of Nigeria’s investments in domestic refining capacity.

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Read here: https://punchng.com/dangote-threatens-to-export-petrol-as-imports-rise/

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INEC to unveil 2027 governorship and Assembly candidates Saturday

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The Independent National Electoral Commission is set to unveil the candidates nominated by political parties for the 2027 governorship and state House of Assembly elections on Saturday.

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The publication is part of INEC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections and will provide an official list of candidates contesting the governorship and legislative seats across the states.

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The development comes as political parties intensify their preparations for the elections, with aspirants and candidates already mobilising supporters and building campaign structures ahead of the polls.

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Read here: https://punchng.com/2027-polls-inec-unveils-gov-assembly-candidates-saturday/

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EFCC offers 5% reward for leads on stolen assets abroad

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has offered a five per cent reward for credible information leading to the recovery of stolen Nigerian assets held abroad.

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The initiative is part of efforts by the anti-graft agency to strengthen the tracing and recovery of assets allegedly looted from Nigeria and moved to foreign jurisdictions.

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The development comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government and anti-corruption agencies to recover proceeds of corruption and return such funds to the country for public use. The EFCC’s offer is one of PUNCH’s top stories this morning.

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Read here: https://punchng.com/efcc-offers-5-reward-for-leads-on-stolen-assets-abroad/

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FG halts foreign scholarships, redirects funds home

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The Federal Government has halted some foreign scholarship programmes and redirected funding towards domestic education, research and related interventions.

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The policy shift is part of efforts to retain more public investment within Nigeria and strengthen local institutions rather than continue to commit significant resources to overseas scholarships.

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The development has placed renewed focus on the government’s approach to funding tertiary education, research and human capital development, with the policy expected to affect how future scholarship resources are allocated. The story is also listed among PUNCH’s top stories for Thursday.

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Read here: https://punchng.com/fg-halts-foreign-scholarships-redirects-funds-home/

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