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

The 2027 political race intensified this morning as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu exchanged heated rhetoric over the removal of the petrol subsidy and the controversial $16 billion power projects. Atiku accused the current administration of resurrecting old allegations to deflect from questions surrounding the utilization of funds saved from the subsidy removal.

He also called for greater accountability regarding the resources generated since the subsidy was abolished. Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery threatened to export excess petrol stocks due to rising imports and uncertainty over domestic demand, stressing the need for transparency and policies that enhance energy security. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that it would unveil the nominated candidates for the 2027 governorship and state House of Assembly elections on Saturday, a move that reflects the parties' preparations for the upcoming polls.

The EFCC offered a 5% reward for credible information leading to the recovery of stolen assets held abroad, signaling intensified efforts to trace and repatriate proceeds of corruption. The Federal Government also halted some foreign scholarship programs and redirected the funds towards domestic education, research, and related initiatives, aiming to strengthen local institutions and maximize the benefits of Nigeria's investments in domestic refining capacity.