Morning recap: N571bn campaign spending limit, FG spends N30.6tn after subsidy removal, and other top stories
August 20, 2026 8:01 am
Photo collage of Sowore, Obi, Atiku and Tinubu.
Candidates contesting the 2027 presidential and governorship elections could collectively spend up to N571bn under the campaign expenditure limits prescribed by the Electoral Act 2026.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government says it has spent N30.64tn to cushion the effects of its economic reforms since June 2023, while a veteran actor, Jide Kosoko, has explained why Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, cannot be moved for alternative treatment.
Former Commonwealth champion, Leon Baptiste, has been jailed in Morocco, while the Federal University Oye-Ekiti denied reports that its Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, was arrested following the Osun governorship election.
1. 2027 poll: N571bn campaign spending limit for presidential, gov candidates
No fewer than 146 candidates currently in the race for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections could collectively spend up to N571bn under the campaign expenditure limits prescribed by the Electoral Act 2026.
The figure comprises 19 presidential candidates, each with a campaign spending ceiling of N10bn, and 127 governorship candidates, each allowed to spend a maximum of N3bn.
Read here: https://punchng.com/2027-poll-n571bn-campaign-spending-limit-for-presidential-gov-candidates/
2. Why we can’t move Ogogo for spiritual treatment – Jide Kosoko
Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has appealed to fans, colleagues and well-wishers to continue praying for ailing actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
Kosoko explained that the family cannot move the actor to alternative facilities despite offers of spiritual and medical assistance, while expressing gratitude for the support received.
Read here: https://punchng.com/why-we-cant-move-ogogo-for-spiritual-treatment-jide-kosoko/
3. 30 months after subsidy removal, FG spends N30.6tn, saves N15.8tn
The Federal Government says it spent N30.64tn between June 2023 and December 2025 to ease the effects of its economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy.
According to the government, the policies generated N15.8tn in savings for the Federation, while additional expenditure exceeded the extra resources available to the Federal Government by N10.24tn.
Read here: https://punchng.com/30-months-after-subsidy-removal-fg-spends-n30-6tn-saves-n15-8tn/
4. UK ex-Commonwealth champion Baptiste found jailed in Morocco
Former Commonwealth Games 200m champion Leon Baptiste has been jailed in Morocco after being convicted in a case involving the sexual assault of a minor. The development ends weeks of uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of the former British sprinter.
Read here: https://punchng.com/uk-ex-commonwealth-champion-baptiste-found-jailed-in-morocco/
5. FUOYE denies VC’s arrest, detention following Osun poll
The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti has dismissed reports that its Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, was arrested and detained by the police in Abuja following the recently concluded Osun State governorship election. Ogunwole served as the Chief Returning Officer for the election.
Read here: https://punchng.com/fuoye-denies-vcs-arrest-detention-following-osun-poll/
Samuel Omotere is an experienced journalist covering human interest stories, pop culture, and digital trends. He combines his background as a language graduate with a focus on sustainable digital storytelling.
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