The All Progressives Congress has revealed that it prevailed on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation not to increase the petrol price.

The time was not ripe, said the ruling political party.

On Monday, the NNPC said it would not increase the ex-depot price of petrol in May though long queues had resurfaced in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, disclosed this at the end of a closed-door meeting with Petroleum Transport Drivers (PTD), National Association of Road Transporters Owners (NARTO), and oil marketers in Abuja.

Ex-depot price is the amount marketers buy products from depot owners; it determines the pump price at filling stations.

John Akpanudoedehe, Secretary of the APC Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) revealed the party’s position on Tuesday in Abuja.

During an event organised by the APC Professionals’ Forum at its national secretariat to showcase the achievements of Mr Buhari’s regime, Mr Akpanudoedehe explained, “Another thing we have achieved recently is the issue in the pump price of petroleum. The party said no to it.”

“It doesn’t matter the circumstances. The party says the time is not ripe. That is the position of the party, and they listened,” Mr Akpanudoedehe added.

He assured the forum that the APC leadership would continue to partner it, adding that Buhari is a listening president.

Assuring the forum of the party and Mr Buhari’s readiness to work with it, Mr Akpanudoedehe pointed out, “Many of the things you complained about, he already knows. Once you bring anything or those issues before him, he will take it with commitment,” he said.

He added that everyone was allowed to key into Mr Buhari’s regime’s programmes.

“As I am talking with you now, people are collecting loans and COVID-19 palliatives and benefiting from other social programmes of the federal government,” Mr Akpanudoedehe stated.

(NAN)