Okpebholo should resign over UK fuel price comparison – APM

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has urged Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to step down in light of his remarks comparing petrol prices in Nigeria to those in the United Kingdom. The party argued that Okpebholo's comparison was misleading, as it did not factor in the significant disparity in income levels and purchasing power between Nigerians and individuals in the UK.

In a statement, the APM's National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, expressed disappointment over the recent surge in petrol prices, which now exceed N1,500 per litre. Yusuf emphasized that Nigerians are anticipating a reduction in fuel costs. The party condemned the sharp increase, highlighting the stark contrast between the N70,000 minimum wage in Nigeria and the £2,839 starting salary for UK teachers.

The APM also pointed out the differences in transportation systems, noting that Nigerians primarily rely on informal and costly means of transport, while the UK boasts a well-structured and subsidized public transport network. Furthermore, the party highlighted that other oil-producing nations, such as Libya and Iran, offer substantially lower petrol prices, ranging from N41 to N52 per litre.

The APM deemed Governor Okpebholo's comparison between Nigeria and the UK as provocative and potentially exacerbating public discontent over rising living costs. The party called for Nigerians to rally behind their presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, in the 2027 election.