…Says Labour Party candidate’s remark shows “moral confusion”
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned recent remarks attributed to the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in which he allegedly described internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, as “geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.”
In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC described the comment as “obscene, morally reprehensible, and deeply disappointing,” saying it trivialized criminality in a country struggling to rebuild its moral values.
Oladejo said “It is both disappointing and dangerous that someone who once aspired to lead Nigeria would trivialize criminality. We are genuinely worried about Mr. Obi’s state of mind, one that glorifies fraudulent practices while condemning corruption in the same breath”.
The Lagos APC spokesperson added that Nigerians should be grateful that Obi did not emerge president in 2023, describing his recent comments as evidence of “moral confusion and desperation for attention”.
“The collapse of his so-called movement and lack of a credible political platform have brought out the worst in him. His desperation for attention has replaced reasoned leadership with reckless speech,” Oladejo stated.
He urged Obi to apologise to Nigerian youths, adding “True leadership demands responsibility, not recklessness; moral strength, not moral confusion”.
Oladejo emphasized that the APC believes in youth empowerment through legitimate means, not the glorification of fraud, adding that internet fraud “is not genius; it is theft, deceit, and moral failure.”
He cited President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that programmes such as the 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent Programme), NELFUND, and other digital innovation initiatives are providing young Nigerians with real opportunities for success. He added “That is how responsible leadership redirects youthful potential — through empowerment and skill, not glorification of crime”.
Oladejo concluded that leadership should be guided by values and integrity, not populism and impulsiveness, adding “Our youths deserve mentorship, not manipulation; inspiration, not incitement, reaffirming the APC’s commitment to discipline, innovation, and moral rectitude as the foundation for Nigeria’s progress”.
