The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to resign over his comparison of petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The party argued that the governor’s comparison failed to consider the significant differences in income levels and purchasing power between Nigerians and residents of the UK.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the APM also criticised the recent increase in petrol prices to more than N1,500 per litre, saying Nigerians had expected the cost of fuel to decline.
“It is unfair to compare petrol prices in Nigeria with those in the UK without taking into account the difference in workers’ incomes. Nigeria’s N70,000 minimum wage is far below what workers earn on average in the UK,” the party said.
The APM cited teachers as an example, claiming that Nigerian teachers earn about N70,000 or less, while teachers in the UK can earn a starting monthly salary of about £2,839.
The party also highlighted differences in the transport systems of both countries.
According to the APM, many Nigerians depend on informal and relatively costly means of transportation, while the UK has a more structured public transport system supported by government subsidies.
The party further compared Nigeria’s petrol prices with those of other oil-producing countries, including Libya and Iran.
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“What Governor Okpebholo failed to tell Nigerians is the fact that in other oil-producing countries such as Libya and even Iran, which is presently at war, petrol is sold at an average equivalent of N41 to N52 per litre,” the party said.
The APM described Okpebholo’s comparison of Nigeria with the UK as provocative, arguing that it could further fuel public frustration over the rising cost of living.
“It is therefore completely irrational and highly provocative for APC Governor Okpebholo to attempt to compare the situation in the UK to that of Nigeria,” the party said.
The party also expressed concern that the governor’s remarks could be interpreted as signalling another possible increase in petrol prices, although it did not provide evidence that the government was planning such an increase.
The APM subsequently called on Nigerians to support its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, in the 2027 presidential election.
