The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Nigeria has strongly criticized Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for his recent comments defending the prevailing high price of petrol in the country. In a statement released on Saturday, 27 September 2026, the party demanded the governor's resignation, citing his insensitive response to the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. The APM's reaction was in response to Okpebholo's comparison of petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom during an event in Edo State.
Okpebholo had argued that petrol prices in Nigeria were relatively low compared to the UK, citing a recent visit to London where he claimed a litre of petrol sold for over N3,000 after conversion to naira. However, the APM rejected this comparison, stating that it did not take into account differences in income levels, purchasing power, and living costs between the two countries. The party emphasized that such a comparison could give a misleading picture of the burden being borne by Nigerian households.
The APM accused Okpebholo of attempting to justify the hardship caused by rising fuel prices rather than addressing the concerns of citizens who depend on petrol for transportation, businesses, and other daily activities. The party noted that pump prices have already risen to around N1,400 in Lagos and Abuja, with prices reaching about N1,500 in some parts of the country. This has significant implications for Nigerians, who are already struggling with high energy costs and a rising cost of living.
The party cautioned against any further increase in petrol prices, warning that it could worsen transportation costs, inflationary pressures, and the operating environment for businesses already struggling with high energy and production costs. The APM urged the Federal Government to focus on measures that would promote price stability and reduce the impact of energy costs on households and businesses. This includes prioritizing policies that translate Nigeria's oil and refining capacity into more affordable energy for citizens.
Available data from the UK supports Okpebholo's claim that petrol is currently more expensive per litre in Britain in nominal naira terms. However, economists and commentators have noted that such a comparison does not establish relative affordability, as wages and living costs differ substantially between the two countries. The APM maintained that Nigeria's status as a major oil-producing country makes the issue of affordable and stable energy supply particularly important.
The party called on the Federal Government to pursue measures that would shield consumers from excessive price shocks and prioritize policies capable of translating Nigeria's oil and refining capacity into more affordable energy for citizens. The APM also emphasized that the relevant question was not whether petrol was more expensive in the UK, but whether Nigerians could afford the product relative to their incomes and the rising cost of living.
Okpebholo has defended the Federal Government's economic reforms, describing them as difficult but necessary, and expressing confidence that the economy would eventually reach a "cruising level." The APM's criticism of Okpebholo's comments has sparked a renewed debate about the government's handling of the economy and the impact of high petrol prices on Nigerians.
Key points
- The Allied Peoples Movement demands Governor Okpebholo's resignation over his comments on petrol prices.
- The party rejects Okpebholo's comparison of petrol prices in Nigeria and the UK.
- The APM cautions against further increases in petrol prices, citing potential economic impacts.
