The party criticised the governor's comments, arguing that comparing petrol prices between the two countries without considering differences in income, purchasing power and public transportation systems could give a misleading picture of the economic realities faced by Nigerians.
The controversy followed comments made by Okpebholo on September 24 during the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event.
The governor said petrol was selling for about N3,000 per litre in the United Kingdom when converted to naira, compared with the lower price Nigerians were paying.
According to him, the comparison showed that Nigerians were still enjoying a relatively lower petrol price despite the economic challenges facing the country.
APM Criticises Okpebholo Over Petrol Price Comparison
Reacting to the statement, the APM, through its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, described the comparison as inappropriate.
The party argued that petrol prices should not be considered in isolation from the income earned by workers and the purchasing power of citizens.
The APM specifically criticised the current petrol price of more than N1,500 per litre, saying the increase had added to the financial pressure on Nigerians.
In its statement, the party called on Governor Okpebholo to resign, accusing him of attempting to justify the rising cost of petrol under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.
The party said Nigerians were already struggling with increasing living costs and that higher fuel prices were having wider effects on transportation and other essential expenses.
APM Highlights Nigeria-UK Income Difference
The party also compared the earnings of workers in Nigeria and the UK.
According to the APM, an average Nigerian worker earns substantially less than a British worker, meaning that a direct conversion of petrol prices from pounds to naira does not provide a complete picture of affordability.
The party cited the Nigerian minimum wage of N70,000 and contrasted it with earnings in the United Kingdom.
It also used teachers as an example, claiming that a Nigerian teacher earning around N70,000 or less monthly is in a significantly different income position from a teacher in the UK.
The APM therefore argued that the affordability of petrol should be assessed alongside citizens' incomes and purchasing power rather than through currency conversion alone.
Party Questions Public Transportation Differences
The APM also pointed to differences in public transportation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
According to the party, Nigeria's transportation system is largely dependent on road transport and includes a significant informal sector, while the UK has a more structured public transportation network.
The party argued that fuel prices have a direct impact on transportation costs in Nigeria because of the country's dependence on petrol-powered vehicles for movement of people and goods.
It said this ultimately affects the prices of food, services and other basic commodities.
APM Mentions Petrol Prices in Other Oil-Producing Countries
Yusuf also referred to petrol prices in other oil-producing countries, including Libya and Iran.
The party cited significantly lower petrol prices in those countries and used them to question the justification for comparing Nigeria's fuel price with that of the United Kingdom.
The APM maintained that Nigeria's status as a major oil-producing country should form part of discussions about the cost of petroleum products and the welfare of citizens.
APM Raises Concern Over Possible Further Fuel Price Increase
The party further expressed concern that the governor's comments could be interpreted as an attempt to prepare Nigerians for another increase in the price of petrol.
The APM said such a development would further increase pressure on households and businesses already dealing with high operating and living costs.
The party also warned that continued increases in petrol prices could have wider economic and social consequences.
APM Links Petrol Price Debate to 2027 Election
The APM subsequently linked the debate over petrol prices and economic hardship to the 2027 presidential election.
The party urged Nigerians not to lose hope and said it viewed the next presidential election as an opportunity for voters to choose a different direction for the country.
The APM also promoted its presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, and its proposed “Reset Agenda”, saying its planned administration would prioritise the welfare and interests of Nigerians.
Governor Okpebholo's comments have meanwhile continued to generate discussion around petrol prices, purchasing power and the impact of Nigeria's economic reforms on ordinary citizens.
The debate highlights a broader question surrounding fuel affordability in Nigeria: whether petrol prices should be compared primarily by their converted currency value or assessed alongside workers' incomes, purchasing power, transportation costs and the overall cost of living.
0 Comments