The Allied Peoples Movement has called for the resignation of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over his comments defending the current petrol price of about ₦1,500 per litre. In a statement, the party described Okpebholo's comparison of Nigerian petrol prices to those in the United Kingdom as insensitive and inappropriate. The APM argued that the huge disparity in income levels and purchasing power between Nigerians and UK citizens made the comparison invalid.
According to the APM, the increase in petrol prices has placed additional pressure on households, businesses, and commuters, particularly at a time when Nigerians were expecting a reduction in the cost of living. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, said it was insensitive to ask Nigerians not to complain about petrol selling at about ₦1,500 per litre simply because it costs more in the UK.
The APM highlighted the significant difference in average wages between Nigeria and the UK, citing an average Nigerian wage earner receiving about ₦70,000 per month, while the purchasing power of workers in the UK is considerably higher, with an average monthly wage of about £2,636, equivalent to approximately ₦4.6 million. This disparity, the party argued, made petrol affordability much more challenging for Nigerians.
The party also pointed to differences in transportation infrastructure, noting that Nigerians largely depend on informal and relatively costly public transportation, while the UK operates a more structured and regulated public transport system. This, the APM said, further exacerbated the challenges faced by Nigerians in terms of transportation costs.
Beyond the UK comparison, the APM noted that Nigeria's status as an oil-producing country should also be considered in discussions about petrol prices. The party cited examples of oil-producing countries like Libya and Iran, where petrol is sold at substantially lower prices, approximately ₦41 to ₦52 per litre.
The APM expressed concern that the continued rise in petrol prices would have wider consequences for transportation fares, food prices, production costs, and household expenses. The party urged the Federal Government to prioritise policies that would improve citizens' purchasing power and reduce the economic pressure created by high energy and transportation costs.
The APM also called on government officials to exercise greater sensitivity when discussing issues that directly affect the daily lives of Nigerians. The party emphasised that the 2027 presidential election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the policies, records, and programmes of various political parties and candidates, and promised to offer a people-centred alternative under its Reset Agenda.
Key points
- The Allied Peoples Movement demands Edo State Governor's resignation over petrol price defence
- APM criticises Okpebholo's comparison of Nigerian petrol prices to those in the UK
- The party urges the Federal Government to prioritise policies to improve citizens' purchasing power
