The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his comment describing internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, as “geniuses” who need redirection.
In a statement issued Sunday by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC described Obi’s remark as “morally reprehensible”.
Oladejo said it was disappointing and dangerous for someone who once aspired to lead Nigeria to make statements that appear to trivialise criminal behaviour in a country struggling to restore its moral values.
“There’s nothing genius about crime. Yahoo Yahoo is a social tragedy, not a talent.
“We are genuinely worried about Mr. Obi’s state of mind – one that glorifies fraudulent practices while condemning corruption and dishonesty in the same breath. Such contradiction exposes a profound moral confusion that has no place in leadership.”
He accused the former Anambra State governor of desperation for political relevance, saying Obi’s so-called compassion for fraudsters was misplaced.
“His desperation for attention has replaced reasoned leadership with reckless speech. There should be a limit to unbridled desperation,” the APC spokesman added.
Oladejo said Obi owed Nigerian youths an apology for misleading them during the 2023 elections “through propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation,” urging him to stop making statements that undermine moral discipline among young people.
“He exploited their hopes, fed their frustrations, and built a campaign on deceit and social media hysteria. The least he can do now is to retain some modicum of respect by refraining from further embarrassing statements that insult the intelligence of the same young people he deceived.
“True leadership demands responsibility, not recklessness; moral strength, not moral confusion,” he stated.
While insisting that the APC supports youth empowerment and innovation, the party rejected any attempt to romanticise or excuse cybercrime.
“Internet fraud is not genius; it is theft, deceit, and moral failure.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigerian youths are being equipped with real opportunities through initiatives such as the 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent Programme), NELFUND, and digital innovation programmes that provide legitimate avenues for success,” Oladejo said.
The APC emphasised that leadership must be grounded in values and integrity, not populism or social media appeal.
“Leadership is about values, not vibes; about integrity, not impulsiveness. Mr. Obi’s latest outburst is a tragic reminder that populism without principle is a danger to democracy,” the statement read.
Obi had, on Saturday, while addressing a youth conference in Onitsha themed “Money Beyond Wealth,” stated that some Yahoo boys possessed creativity and intelligence that could be redirected towards productive enterprise if properly guided.
He noted that reckless pursuit of money can destroy both character and community, stressing that money is just a fraction of true wealth.
“I reminded our young people that while money is important, it is only a fragment of true wealth, which rests on integrity, character, and purpose. Real wealth uplifts both the individual and society, promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live dignified lives.
“I told the youths that some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation. Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development. Our challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise.
“I also stressed that the reckless pursuit of money destroys both character and community. Leadership must lead by example, for a nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity.
“I urged our youths to rediscover the dignity of labour and embrace hard work and innovation. Nations are built not by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build,” Obi said in a statement.
