…Says Comparison Ignores Income Gap, Describes Comment as Callous and Provocative
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to resign over his comments comparing petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, describing the comparison as reckless, irresponsible, and insensitive to the economic realities of Nigerians.
CDA News Nigeria reports that the party’s demand followed Okpebholo’s remarks at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event, where he said a litre of petrol costs about ₦3,000 in the UK when converted to naira, compared with the roughly ₦1,500 Nigerians pay.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the governor said he visited a filling station in London with a friend to compare prices, concluding that “we are doing very well here” and praising President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
APM Faults Comparison Over Purchasing Power
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the APM argued that the governor’s comparison failed to account for the wide disparity in income levels and purchasing power between Nigerians and British citizens.
The party noted that while an average Nigerian wage earner receives about ₦70,000 monthly, the purchasing power of workers in the UK is considerably higher, with an average monthly wage cited at about £2,636, equivalent to approximately ₦4.6 million.
Citing teachers as an example, the APM said an average Nigerian school teacher earns about ₦70,000 or less monthly, while a starting salary for a teacher in the UK is about £2,839, equivalent to approximately ₦4.9 million.
“It is, to say the least, callous for a state governor to attempt to benchmark petrol price in Nigeria with that of the UK,” the party said.
Party Cites Transport, Oil-Producer Comparisons
The APM also pointed to differences in transportation infrastructure, saying Nigerians largely depend on informal and costly public transportation, while the UK operates a more structured, regulated, and subsidised public transport system.
The party further argued that Nigeria’s status as an oil-producing country should be considered, citing Libya and Iran as examples where petrol sells for significantly lower prices, putting the figures at approximately ₦41 to ₦52 per litre.
Resignation Demand and 2027 Preview
Describing the governor’s comments as “irrational and highly provocative,” the APM warned that such statements could fuel public discontent and protests.
The party demanded Okpebholo’s resignation, arguing that his comments demonstrated a disconnect from the economic realities confronting Nigerians.
The APM also used the occasion to preview its 2027 presidential bid, saying its candidate, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and running mate, Lawal Daura, would offer a people-centred alternative under its Reset Agenda.
CDA News Nigeria notes that available UK fuel-price data supports the governor’s narrow point that petrol is more expensive per litre in Britain in nominal naira terms. However, as Pulse Nigeria reported, pump prices alone do not establish relative affordability because wages, transport costs, and other living expenses differ substantially between the two countries.
Editorial Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to accurate and balanced reporting. Allegations and claims are attributed to their sources.
All rights reserved ©2026 CDA News Nigeria. Contact: info@cdanews.ng, www.cdanews.ng, +2348030980314 | 348 Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
