Lagos APC condemns Peter Obi Yahoo Boys comment, calling it reckless, immoral, and a threat to Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime.
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sharply criticised Peter Obi Yahoo Boys Comment, describing it as reckless, immoral, and unbecoming of a national leader.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate had earlier referred to internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, as “geniuses” who need redirection rather than condemnation.
In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, condemned the Peter Obi Yahoo Boys Comment, calling it a disturbing attempt to glorify cybercrime in a nation already battling moral decay and youth disillusionment.
“There is nothing genius about crime,” Oladejo declared.
“Yahoo Yahoo is not innovation—it is theft, deceit, and a symptom of deep moral failure.”
Oladejo said the Peter Obi Yahoo Boys Comment reflects moral confusion and poor judgment, especially coming from someone who once sought Nigeria’s presidency.
“We are genuinely worried about Mr. Obi’s mindset. How can he condemn corruption and still glorify fraudulent practices? Such contradictions expose deep moral disorder unfit for leadership,” he said.
He warned that such statements could influence vulnerable youths negatively, giving them a false sense that criminality can be excused as talent.
“The comment trivialises a national tragedy. Internet fraud destroys families, businesses, and the image of our country. Leaders must discourage it, not romanticise it,” Oladejo said.
Continuing his statement, Oladejo alleged that Obi’s remarks were part of a pattern of reckless populism aimed at gaining attention rather than offering constructive leadership.
“His desperation for relevance has replaced reasoned leadership with reckless talk. There should be a moral limit to political ambition,” he noted.
He also accused Obi of manipulating Nigerian youths during the 2023 general elections, using “emotional propaganda and social media hysteria” to gain their sympathy.
“He exploited their frustrations, built a movement on deceit, and presented himself as a moral saviour. Now, by suggesting that Yahoo boys are geniuses, he insults those same young people,” the statement added.
Oladejo urged Obi to stop making remarks that could further erode moral discipline among Nigerian youths.
“True leadership requires responsibility, not recklessness; integrity, not impulsive statements that weaken our social fabric,” he stressed.
While criticising Obi’s comments, the Lagos APC reaffirmed that it supports youth innovation and empowerment, but not at the cost of ethical standards.
Oladejo emphasised that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, several initiatives such as the 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent Programme), NELFUND, and other digital innovation programmes are being rolled out to help youths achieve legitimate success.
“We believe in training and empowering young Nigerians with real skills and opportunities. Internet fraud is not genius—it is crime, plain and simple,” he said.
He explained that these programmes are designed to create an environment where creativity and hard work are rewarded, ensuring that Nigeria’s young people become globally competitive innovators.
“Our focus is to channel youthful energy into technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship—legitimate pathways that uplift society, not damage it,” Oladejo noted.
The Lagos APC ended its statement by warning that Nigeria’s democracy faces danger when politicians trade integrity for populism.
“Leadership is about values, not vibes; about character, not convenience. The Peter Obi Yahoo Boys Comment is a reminder that populism without principle endangers democracy,” Oladejo concluded.
He urged public figures to demonstrate moral clarity and consistency, especially in addressing issues that affect the youth and national ethics.
“No leader should glorify criminality in the name of compassion. Nigeria’s future depends on discipline, not deceit,” he added.
In response to the backlash, Peter Obi clarified that his words were misinterpreted. Speaking at a youth conference in Onitsha themed “Money Beyond Wealth”, Obi said his remarks were aimed at urging young Nigerians to redirect their creativity and intelligence toward positive innovation, not crime.
“I reminded our young people that while money is important, it represents only a fragment of true wealth. Real wealth is built on character, purpose, and service to society,” he said.
Obi explained that many young Nigerians involved in cybercrime have exceptional creative abilities, which, if properly guided, could contribute to national development.
“Some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation. If their creativity and courage are channelled properly, they can drive innovation and entrepreneurship,” he stated.
However, Obi also cautioned against the obsession with wealth, urging Nigerian youths to embrace hard work, integrity, and the dignity of labour.
“A nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity. Our youths must rediscover the value of honest work. Nations are built not by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build,” he added.
The Peter Obi Yahoo Boys Comment continues to spark mixed reactions across the country. While some Nigerians believe Obi’s message was misunderstood and rooted in empathy, others argue that his choice of words undermines ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime.
Analysts say the controversy highlights the growing moral tension between Nigeria’s economic struggles and the rising attraction of quick wealth among young people.
For the APC, however, the statement underscores what it calls a moral inconsistency in Obi’s leadership style—one that confuses compassion with endorsement.
“Nigeria needs leaders who guide with values, not those who blur the line between right and wrong,” Oladejo said.
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