The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called for the resignation of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, following his comparison of petrol prices in Nigeria with those in the United Kingdom.
The party said the governor’s comparison overlooked significant differences in earnings and purchasing power between workers in both countries, arguing that the cost of petrol cannot be assessed in isolation from the incomes of consumers.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the APM also criticised the increase in petrol prices beyond N1,500 per litre, saying Nigerians had expected the cost of the commodity to decline rather than rise.
Yusuf said the party condemned what it described as a sharp increase in pump prices and stressed that Nigerians were anticipating cheaper petrol.
“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 in both countries to illustrate the disparity in earnings. According to the party, Nigerian teachers earn about N70,000 or less, while teachers in the UK begin with monthly salaries of approximately £2,839.
Beyond income levels, the party said Nigeria and the UK also operate significantly different transportation systems.
It argued that many Nigerians rely heavily on informal and relatively expensive means of transportation, while the UK operates a more structured and regulated public transport network, with government subsidies supporting parts of the system.
The party also referenced other oil-producing countries, including Libya and Iran, where it said petrol prices are considerably lower than those in Nigeria.
“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 of equivalent of N41 to N52 per litre,” the party said.
The APM described the governor’s comparison with the UK as provocative, arguing that it could deepen public frustration amid the broader increase in the 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 APM said.
The opposition party further expressed concern that the governor’s remarks could be interpreted as an indication that Nigerians should prepare for another increase in petrol prices.
However, the APM did not provide evidence that the government was planning a fresh increase in the cost of petrol.
The party subsequently urged Nigerians to support its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, in the 2027 general election.
