The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has criticised Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for comparing petrol prices in Nigeria with those in the United Kingdom without, saying that accounting for differences in income and purchasing power.
The party also called for the governor’s resignation over the comment and expressed concern about petrol prices, which it said had risen to about N1,500 per litre in some parts of the country.
In a statement on Sunday, APM National Publicity Secretary Abubakar Yusuf said comparing petrol prices across countries without considering citizens’ incomes could give a misleading picture of affordability.
Yusuf cited Nigeria’s N70,000 minimum wage and contrasted it with earnings in the UK, arguing that workers’ purchasing power in the two countries differed substantially.
He also said the comparison should take account of differences in public transport systems, noting that Nigerians contend with high transport costs and less developed public transport infrastructure.
The APM said the rising cost of petrol was putting additional pressure on households and businesses, particularly as Nigerians were expecting some moderation in prices.
It also cited lower petrol prices in some oil-producing countries, including Libya and Iran, to argue that crude oil production does not necessarily translate into high domestic fuel prices.
The party, however, did not provide a detailed assessment of the factors responsible for the differences in pump prices among the countries it cited.
The APM said Okpebholo’s comments should not be interpreted as justification for further increases in petrol prices, while urging the Federal Government to consider the effect of fuel costs on household incomes and transport.
The party also linked the issue to the 2027 election, saying its presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, would pursue what it described as a ‘Reset Agenda’ focused on reducing economic pressures on Nigerians.