The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the recent statement credited to the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in which he allegedly described internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo Boys, as “geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.”
In a strongly worded statement signed by the party’s spokesman, Hon. Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC described Obi’s remark as “morally reprehensible, socially dangerous, and politically irresponsible.”
According to the APC, it is shocking that a politician who once sought Nigeria’s highest office would trivialize criminality at a time when the nation is struggling to rebuild its moral foundation and restore integrity among the youth.
“There’s nothing genius about crime. Yahoo Yahoo is not a talent; it is a social tragedy. Mr. Obi’s attempt to romanticize fraud under the guise of compassion is reckless and unbecoming of any responsible leader,” Oladejo stated.
The party expressed concern that Obi’s statement exposes “a profound moral confusion” — condemning corruption in public life while glorifying dishonesty in another form. The APC said Nigerians should be grateful that the country “dodged a bullet” in the last presidential election.
“It is now clear that the collapse of his so-called movement has left him desperate for attention, and his desperation has replaced leadership with recklessness,” the statement continued.
The APC further insisted that Mr. Obi owes Nigerian youths a public apology for what it described as “years of emotional manipulation and political deception.”
“True leadership demands clarity, conviction, and moral strength — not populism built on confusion and controversy,” the party added.
Reaffirming its commitment to youth development, the Lagos APC emphasized that the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is already creating legitimate pathways for young Nigerians through initiatives such as the 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent Programme), NELFUND, and other digital innovation schemes.
“That is how responsible leadership redirects youthful potential — through empowerment and skills, not by glorifying crime,” Oladejo noted.
In conclusion, the statement underscored that leadership is about values, integrity, and discipline, not “vibes and populist showmanship.”
“Our youths deserve mentorship, not manipulation; inspiration, not incitement. The APC will continue to stand for discipline, innovation, and moral rectitude as the true path to Nigeria’s greatness,” the party affirmed.
