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The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for his recent comments describing internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, as “geniuses” who only need proper redirection.
In a statement, the party’s spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, described Obi’s remark as “morally reprehensible” and unbecoming of someone who once sought to lead the country.
Oladejo said it was disappointing that a former governor and presidential candidate could make comments that appear to downplay criminal behaviour at a time the nation is struggling with moral decline.
“There’s nothing genius about crime. Yahoo-Yahoo is a social tragedy, not a talent.
“We are genuinely concerned about Obi’s moral compass, how can someone who constantly condemns corruption also glorify cybercrime? Such contradictions reveal a dangerous moral confusion that has no place in leadership.”
The APC spokesman also accused Obi of seeking political relevance through controversial statements, describing his position as a “reckless attempt at attention-seeking,” Oladejo said.
“His desperation for attention has replaced reasoned leadership with reckless speech. There should be a limit to unrestrained desperation,” he added.
He further alleged that Obi misled many young Nigerians during the 2023 elections through “propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation.”
Oladejo urged the former Anambra governor to apologise to Nigerian youths, warning that such comments could encourage moral laxity.
Reiterating the APC’s commitment to youth empowerment and innovation, the Lagos chapter rejected any attempt to justify or romanticise cybercrime, stressing that leadership must be guided by “values, integrity, and moral responsibility.”
AFRIPOST had yesterday reported that Obi, while speaking at a youth conference in Onitsha on Saturday, said many internet fraudsters possess creativity and intelligence that could be redirected towards productive ventures if properly guided.
He cautioned against the reckless pursuit of wealth, emphasising that “money is only a small fraction of true wealth,” and urged young people to focus on character, hard work, and community development.