The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called for the resignation of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over comments attributed to him in which he compared the price of petrol in Nigeria with the cost of fuel in the United Kingdom.
The party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, condemned the prevailing petrol price of over N1,500 per litre, describing the increase as an additional burden on Nigerians already grappling with economic hardship.
The APM said it was particularly concerned by the governor’s reported comparison of Nigeria’s petrol price with an average cost of about N3,000 per litre in the UK.
According to the party, such a comparison failed to take into account the differences in income levels and purchasing power between Nigerians and British citizens.
“It is, to say the least, callous for a state governor to attempt to benchmark the price of petrol in Nigeria against that of the UK,” the party said.
The APM argued that while an average Nigerian worker earns significantly less, the income of workers in the UK is substantially higher, making a direct comparison of petrol prices between the two countries misleading.
The party also cited the difference in public transportation systems, arguing that commuters in Nigeria contend with what it described as an informal, chaotic and expensive transport system, while the UK has a structured and regulated public transport network.
The APM further argued that Nigeria’s status as an oil-producing country should be considered in discussions about domestic petrol prices.
It cited Libya and Iran as examples of oil-producing countries where petrol is sold at significantly lower prices, claiming that the equivalent cost ranges from N41 to N52 per litre.
The party described Okpebholo’s reported comments as “irrational and highly provocative,” warning that such statements could fuel public discontent and protests.
The APM also expressed concern that the governor’s comments could be used to prepare the ground for a further increase in the price of petrol.
The party, however, did not provide evidence that the Federal Government is planning such an increase, but said the possibility had generated apprehension among members of the public.
Turning to the 2027 general election, the APM urged Nigerians to support what it described as a new political direction, identifying its presidential candidate, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as the leader it believes can provide “humane, transparent, people-oriented and efficient leadership.”
The party said that under a proposed Makinde/Daura presidency and its “Reset Agenda,” the welfare and interests of Nigerians would be prioritised.
“Nigerians do not deserve this level of intolerable suffering that the APC-led administration has subjected them to, given the enormous resources at the disposal of the government,” the statement said.
The APM called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and support its efforts to provide what it described as “a new beginning” for the country.
