The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called for the resignation of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, following his recent comparison of petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Okpebholo had said that Nigerians were “doing very well” with the prevailing petrol price after comparing it with the cost of petrol in the UK. He said during an event on September 24 that he had checked petrol prices while in London and found that a litre of petrol cost the equivalent of more than N3,000.

Reacting in Abuja, the APM, through its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, criticised the comparison, arguing that nominal pump prices did not adequately reflect the affordability of petrol to citizens because of differences in income and purchasing power.

The party said it was inappropriate to compare the Nigerian and British prices without considering the substantial differences in earnings between workers in the two countries.

APM also faulted the comparison on the basis of transportation systems, arguing that the UK has a more structured public transport network, while many Nigerians depend heavily on road transportation and therefore remain exposed to fluctuations in fuel prices.

The party further cited other oil-producing countries, including Libya and Iran, in its argument that Nigeria’s status as an oil-producing nation should form part of the discussion on domestic petrol pricing.

The APM expressed concern that comments justifying current petrol prices could heighten public frustration and alleged that the governor’s remarks might be interpreted as preparing Nigerians for further increases. The party, however, did not provide evidence that another petrol price increase was being planned.

The controversy comes amid renewed pressure over fuel prices in Nigeria. Reuters reported on September 21 that petrol prices had risen to around N1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja and as high as N1,500 in some parts of northern Nigeria, amid higher global crude oil prices.

While the APM criticised the governor's comparison, available UK and Nigerian price data confirm that petrol currently costs more per litre in nominal naira terms in the UK. The affordability of the two prices, however, depends on factors including wages, purchasing power, transport costs and other living expenses.

The APM also linked the issue to the 2027 general election, saying Nigerians would have an opportunity to determine the political direction of the country. The party identified its presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, and running mate, Lawal Daura, as its proposed ticket under its “Reset Agenda.”

The party urged Nigerians to support its platform, saying it would prioritise citizens’ welfare and seek to improve the management of the country’s resources.