The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called for the resignation of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo over his recent comparison of petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The party, in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, criticised the governor’s remarks, arguing that a comparison based solely on the naira-equivalent price of petrol failed to account for differences in income levels and purchasing power between Nigerians and Britons.
Okpebholo had made the comparison on September 24 while speaking at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State.
The governor said he had recently visited London and checked the price of petrol there, which he said translated to about N3,000-something per litre after conversion to naira.
“When we complained about cost of petrol, I was in London last week. I told my friend, ‘Let’s go and buy fuel just to know the cost of fuel between Nigeria and England,’” Okpebholo said.
“Let me tell you, after conversion, it’s about N3,000-something for one litre of fuel.”
He subsequently said Nigerians were “doing very well here” and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms. (NUJ FCT)
Reacting to the remarks, the APM said the comparison overlooked the economic realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, particularly differences in earnings and purchasing power.
The party also criticised the prevailing petrol price, which it said had placed additional pressure on households, businesses and commuters.
“The Allied Peoples Movement demands that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, should resign from office following his attempt to justify the excessive cost of fuel in the country under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress administration,” the statement said.
The APM argued that comparing Nigeria’s petrol price with that of the UK without considering income disparities presented an incomplete picture of affordability.
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It cited figures it attributed to workers in both countries, contrasting Nigeria’s N70,000 minimum wage with substantially higher earnings in the UK. The party also used teachers’ salaries in the two countries to illustrate what it described as the difference in purchasing power.
The party further faulted the comparison on public transportation, arguing that the UK has a more structured and regulated transport system, while many Nigerians rely on public transportation that can be costly.
The APM also compared Nigeria’s petrol prices with those in other oil-producing countries, citing Libya and Iran as examples where, according to the party, petrol is sold at lower prices.
Yusuf described the governor’s comparison as inappropriate and expressed concern that public officials should consider the broader economic circumstances of citizens when discussing fuel affordability.
The party also alleged that Okpebholo’s remarks could be used to justify further increases in petrol prices, although it provided no evidence that another increase was being planned.
The APM said the current economic situation required policies that would address the financial pressures facing Nigerians, rather than comparisons with countries where income levels and economic conditions differ significantly.
The party also turned its criticism towards the 2027 presidential election, urging Nigerians to use the election to choose what it described as “humane, transparent, people-based and efficient leadership.”
The APM identified its presidential candidate, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and running mate, Alhaji Lawal Daura, as the leadership ticket it intends to present to Nigerians under its proposed Reset Agenda.
The party said its proposed administration would prioritise citizens’ welfare and better management of Nigeria’s resources.
The APM’s statement comes days after Okpebholo defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, describing them as difficult but necessary and saying Nigeria would eventually reach what he called a “cruising level.” (NUJ FCT)