Peter Obi’s comment on Yahoo Boys glorifies fraud —Lagos APC

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for describing internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo boys,” as “geniuses” who need redirection.

According to the APC, Obi’s comment was morally reprehensible and unbecoming of someone who once sought to lead Nigeria.

The party’s spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, expressed concern over Obi’s moral compass, questioning how someone who condemns corruption can glorify cybercrime.

“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.

Oladejo accused Obi of seeking political relevance through reckless speech, adding that his “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,” Oladejo said.

Oladejo further alleged that Peter Obi misled young Nigerians during the 2023 elections through propaganda and emotional manipulation, urging him to stop making statements that could weaken 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.

He also clarified that while the APC supports youth empowerment and innovation, cybercrime of any kind will not be endorsed.

“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.

The party, in the statement, added that true leadership should be based on integrity, not 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 read.