Morning recap: Atiku-Makinde alliance talks, Kano gov’s marital crisis, other top stories

Atiku Abubakar & Seyi' Makinde

The reported alliance talks between former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde ahead of the 2027 elections, the divorce crisis involving Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, and Britain’s growing imports of Nigerian refined petroleum products dominate today’s headlines.

Also making the news are the Federal Government’s alert following the deaths of 16 Nigerians in Ethiopia and the controversy surrounding Nigeria’s former national anthem.

Here are five major stories making the news:

1. 2027: Atiku, Makinde near alliance deal

Representatives of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have reportedly held several meetings and reached compromises towards a possible alliance against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. The discussions are separate from wider opposition consultations aimed at presenting a common presidential candidate.

Read the full story here: https://punchng.com/2027-atiku-makinde-near-alliance-deal/

2. Kano gov’s wife divorce saga sparks arrests

Three security personnel attached to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf’s wife, Zainab, have reportedly been arrested following her departure from the governor’s residence amid their marital crisis. The development comes as a divorce suit involving the couple is before an Upper Area Court in Gudu, Abuja.

Read the full story here: https://punchng.com/kano-govs-wife-divorce-saga-sparks-arrests/

• UK buys £1bn Nigerian oil as Dangote refinery expands
• FG issues alert after 16 Nigerians die in Ethiopia
• Tinubu, Aregbesola met three times despite rift – APC chieftain, Prof Adeyeye

3.Tinubu, Aregbesola met three times despite rift – APC chieftain, Prof Adeyeye

The Director of Electioneering Planning of the All Progressives Congress 2027 Presidential Campaign Council in the South-West, Prof Sola Adeyeye, speaks with Ismaeel Uthman on President Bola Tinubu’s record on federalism, the President’s adoption of a rainbow coalition, and efforts to reconcile Tinubu with former Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

Read the full interview here: https://punchng.com/tinubu-aregbesola-met-three-times-despite-rift-apc-chieftain-prof-adeyeye/

4. UK buys £1bn Nigerian oil as Dangote refinery expands

The United Kingdom imported £1.02bn worth of refined petroleum products from Nigeria in the 12 months ending June 2026. The development reflects the growing importance of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Nigeria’s fuel export market, with refined products accounting for 53.5 per cent of Britain’s merchandise imports from Nigeria.

Read the full story here: https://punchng.com/uk-buys-1bn-nigerian-oil-as-dangote-refinery-expands/

5. FG issues alert after 16 Nigerians die in Ethiopia

The Federal Government has warned Nigerians travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to exercise caution following the reported deaths of 16 Nigerians from health complications this year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs linked the fatalities to health challenges associated with the Ethiopian capital’s high-altitude environment, particularly among travellers with underlying medical conditions.

Read the full story here: https://punchng.com/fg-issues-alert-after-16-nigerians-die-in-ethiopia/