APM CRITICISES OKPEBHOLO OVER NIGERIA-UK FUEL PRICE COMPARISON

The Allied Peoples Movement has criticised Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for comparing petrol prices in Nigeria with those in the United Kingdom.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, on Sunday, the party said the comparison failed to consider the major differences in income levels and purchasing power between Nigerians and Britons.

Okpebholo had spoken on September 24 at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event, where he said petrol costs about N3,000 per litre in the UK when converted to naira, compared with the lower price in Nigeria.

The governor also said that despite the challenges, Nigeria was “doing very well.”

Reacting, the APM criticised the comparison and called for Okpebholo’s resignation, arguing that the cost of fuel should be considered alongside the income of the average citizen.

The party said petrol selling for more than N1,500 per litre was worsening the hardship faced by Nigerians and argued that the UK comparison ignored the difference between the two countries’ wages and purchasing power.

The APM said an average Nigerian worker earns significantly less than a British worker. It cited the minimum wage in Nigeria as N70,000 monthly and compared it with higher salaries earned by workers in the UK.

The party also pointed to differences in public transportation, describing the UK’s system as more structured and regulated compared with Nigeria’s largely informal transport system.

Yusuf further argued that petrol is much cheaper in some other oil-producing countries, citing Libya and Iran, where he said prices were equivalent to about N41 to N52 per litre.

The APM said the governor’s comments could increase public concerns over fuel prices and alleged that Nigerians may be facing the possibility of another increase in the cost of petrol.

The party also urged Nigerians not to lose hope, pointing to the 2027 presidential election and promoting its candidate, Seyi Makinde, as part of its proposed political alternative.

The APM said its proposed administration would prioritise the welfare of Nigerians and address what it described as the hardship caused by the current administration.