The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lambasted former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for describing internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, as “geniuses” who need redirection.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC said Obi’s remark was “morally reprehensible,” describing it as dangerous for a former presidential hopeful to make statements that appear to glorify criminal conduct in a nation struggling to restore its moral compass.
“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,” Oladejo said.
He accused the former Anambra State governor of desperation for political relevance, saying Obi’s supposed compassion for internet 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 further alleged that Obi misled Nigerian youths during the 2023 elections “through propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation,” urging him to apologise and refrain from making statements that could undermine moral discipline.
“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 stressing that the APC supports youth empowerment and innovation, Oladejo warned against any attempt to romanticise 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,” he said.
According to the party, leadership must be grounded in integrity, not social media populism.
“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 added.
Obi had on Saturday, while addressing a youth conference in Onitsha themed “Money Beyond Wealth”, said that some Yahoo boys possess intelligence that could be redirected towards productive ventures if properly guided.
“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.
