The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned a recent statement by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election. Speaking at a youth conference in Onitsha, Obi described internet fraudsters—commonly known as “Yahoo boys”—as “geniuses” who need proper redirection, suggesting that their creativity and intelligence could be channeled into productive ventures if guided correctly. He also warned against the pursuit of wealth at all costs, emphasizing the importance of character, hard work, and community development.
In response, APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo issued a statement on Sunday calling Obi’s remark “morally reprehensible” and unbefitting of a former state governor and presidential candidate. Oladejo expressed disappointment and alarm that Obi seemed to downplay criminal behavior in a society already grappling with moral decay. He stressed that there is nothing inherently genius about criminal activity, describing internet fraud as a “social tragedy” rather than a talent.
The APC further accused Obi of seeking political relevance through controversial statements, characterizing his comments as a “reckless attempt at attention‑seeking.” Oladejo argued that Obi’s desperation for attention has replaced reasoned leadership with reckless speech and alleged that Obi misled many young Nigerians during the 2023 elections through propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation.
The Lagos APC has urged Obi to apologize to the youth for his comments, warning that such rhetoric could encourage moral indiscipline. The party reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and innovation while rejecting any attempt to romanticize or justify cybercrime. It emphasized that leadership must be rooted in values, integrity, and moral responsibility, and noted that the controversy has sparked a broader debate about the role of leadership in addressing moral decay and promoting positive values in society.
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