MORNING RECAP: ATIKU-TINUBU CLASH WIDENS, DANGOTE THREATENS PETROL EXPORT

Political tensions, fuel supply concerns and preparations for the 2027 elections dominated Nigeria’s top stories on Thursday as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu’s camp exchanged fresh arguments over petrol subsidy policy and a controversial $16 billion power expenditure.

Atiku challenged the Federal Government to investigate and prosecute him if it had evidence linking him to the alleged expenditure during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate accused the Tinubu administration of revisiting old allegations to divert attention from questions surrounding the use of revenues saved following the removal of petrol subsidies.

The Presidency, however, criticised Atiku’s position on subsidy removal, accusing him of making contradictory proposals about whether he would restore the policy if elected in 2027.

Meanwhile, Dangote Petroleum Refinery warned that it could export excess petrol if rising imports continue to make domestic demand difficult to predict.

The refinery said imported Premium Motor Spirit accounted for about 43 per cent of petrol supplied in Nigeria in July, despite its capacity to meet and exceed domestic demand.

It said continued import licences were creating uncertainty around future demand and inventory planning, adding that surplus products not absorbed locally could be exported to regional and international markets.

The refinery called for improved market coordination and policies that would encourage local refining and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.

In another major development, the Independent National Electoral Commission is expected to publish the names of candidates nominated by political parties for the 2027 governorship and state House of Assembly elections on Saturday.

The move forms part of INEC’s preparations for the elections as political parties intensify mobilisation and campaign activities across the country.

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

The initiative is aimed at strengthening the tracing and recovery of proceeds of corruption moved outside the country.

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

The policy is intended to retain more public investment within Nigeria and strengthen local tertiary institutions and research capacity.

The developments come as Nigeria enters a period of heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, alongside continuing debates over fuel pricing, public spending, education funding and economic management.