The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent comment describing some internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, as “geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.”
In a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Hon. Seye Oladejo, the APC said Obi’s position is “morally reprehensible and dangerous,” accusing him of attempting to romanticize crime and send the wrong message to young Nigerians.
The party expressed concern that a former presidential candidate would “trivialise criminality in a country striving to rebuild its moral foundation,” insisting that internet fraud remains a serious offence.
Recall that Obi remarked during a youth conference in Onitsha, later posting his message on X under the title “Our Youths Need Redirection.”
He argued that while Yahoo Yahoo is wrong, some involved youth possess creativity and courage that could be channeled into innovation and national development.
“I told the youths that some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation,” Obi said, warning that society must avoid rewarding dishonesty but instead provide genuine opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive.
However, the APC said internet fraud is a “social tragedy,” not talent.
It argued that under President Bola Tinubu’s governance, programmes like 3MTT, NELFUND and digital innovation initiatives already provide legitimate paths for young people.
“Leadership demands responsibility, not recklessness; moral strength, not moral confusion,” Oladejo said, adding that Obi owes Nigerian youths an apology instead of “excuses for criminality.”
