…Rejects N1,500 P/Litre, Says UK Comparison Ignores Nigerians’ Purchasing Power
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has demanded the resignation of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over his recent comparison of petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The party described as “reckless and irresponsible” Okpebholo’s comment that Nigerians were “doing very well” because petrol sells for more than N3,000 per litre in the United Kingdom.
Okpebholo made the comparison on September 24 while speaking at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State. He said that after converting the UK price to Naira, petrol costs about N3,000-something per litre, compared with the lower price in Nigeria.
But the APM, in a statement on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, rejected the comparison, arguing that it failed to take into account the wide differences in income levels and purchasing power between Nigerian and British workers.
The party said the increase in petrol prices to around N1,500 per litre was already imposing severe hardship on Nigerians and warned that further increases could worsen social tensions.
Recent reports indicate that petrol prices had risen to about N1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja, with prices reaching N1,500 in parts of northern Nigeria amid higher global crude prices.
The APM argued that comparing Nigeria’s petrol prices with those in the UK without considering wages and living conditions was inappropriate.
It cited Nigeria’s N70,000 national minimum wage, noting that rising petrol and transportation costs were putting additional pressure on workers.
Nigerians are already struggling with the impact of petrol prices of about N1,400-N1,430 per litre with workers still earning the N70,000 minimum wage.
The party also faulted the governor for failing to acknowledge differences in public transportation systems and government support between the two countries.
It further cited oil-producing countries such as Libya and Iran, where it said petrol prices are substantially lower than in Nigeria.
The APM described Okpebholo’s statement as provocative and warned that such comments could fuel public anger at a time of heightened economic hardship.
The party also alleged that the governor’s remarks could be a precursor to a further increase in petrol prices by the Federal Government.
Turning to the 2027 presidential election, the APM urged Nigerians not to despair, saying the election would provide an opportunity for a change in leadership.
It urged Nigerians to support its presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, and running mate Musa Daura, under what it described as the party’s “Reset Agenda.”
The party said a Makinde/Daura administration would prioritise the welfare and interests of Nigerians, while accusing the APC-led government of subjecting citizens to unacceptable economic hardship.
The APM called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and mobilise behind the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
