APC Blasts Peter Obi Over Comment on Yahoo Boys
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent comments allegedly defending internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo Boys.”
In a statement issued on Saturday by the party’s spokesperson, Hon. Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC described Obi’s remark — that Yahoo Boys are “geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation” — as “morally reprehensible, socially dangerous, and politically irresponsible.”
Oladejo said it was shocking that a former presidential candidate could trivialize cybercrime at a time when Nigeria is battling to restore ethical values among its youth.
“There’s nothing genius about crime. Yahoo Yahoo is not a talent; it is a social tragedy,” Oladejo stated. “Mr. Obi’s attempt to romanticize fraud under the guise of compassion is reckless and unbecoming of any responsible leader.”
The APC further accused Obi of double standards, saying his comment exposed a “profound moral confusion” — condemning corruption in government while appearing to glorify another form of dishonesty.
“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 added.
The party demanded a public apology from Obi to Nigerian youths, accusing him of misleading them with “years of emotional manipulation and political deception.”
According to the APC, true leadership requires “clarity, conviction, and moral strength — not populism built on confusion and controversy.”
Reaffirming its commitment to youth empowerment, the Lagos APC highlighted several federal government programs under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme (3MTT) and the NELFUND initiative, which aim to equip young Nigerians with digital and entrepreneurial skills.
“That is how responsible leadership redirects youthful potential — through empowerment and skills, not by glorifying crime,” Oladejo stressed.
The party concluded by saying Nigeria’s future depends on discipline, innovation, and integrity — not “vibes and populist showmanship.”
“Our youths deserve mentorship, not manipulation; inspiration, not incitement,” the APC stated. “We will continue to stand for moral rectitude as the true path to Nigeria’s greatness.”
