The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent comment referring to Internet fraudsters, popularly called “Yahoo boys,” as “geniuses” who only need proper direction.

In a statement released on Sunday by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC described Obi’s remark as “morally unacceptable” and unworthy of a former governor and presidential aspirant.

Oladejo expressed disappointment that someone who once sought to lead Nigeria would make remarks that appear to trivialize criminal activities in a country already grappling with moral decline.

“There’s nothing genius about crime. Yahoo-Yahoo is a social tragedy, not a talent,” Oladejo said. “We are deeply worried about Obi’s moral compass. How can someone who frequently condemns corruption now glorify cybercrime? Such inconsistency shows a troubling moral confusion that should have no place in leadership.”

The APC spokesman further accused Obi of seeking relevance through controversial remarks, describing his comment as a “reckless display of attention-seeking.”

“His obsession with attention has replaced thoughtful leadership with careless speech. There must be a boundary to unrestrained desperation,” he added.

Oladejo also alleged that Obi deceived many young Nigerians during the 2023 elections through “propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation.” He urged the former governor to apologise to the youth, warning that such comments could promote moral indiscipline.

Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to youth empowerment and innovation, the Lagos chapter rejected any attempt to romanticize or justify cybercrime, insisting that true leadership must be built on “values, integrity, and moral responsibility.”

It will be recalled that Obi, while speaking at a youth conference in Onitsha on Saturday, stated that many Internet fraudsters possess creativity and intelligence that could be redirected into productive ventures if properly guided.

He also advised young people to avoid the reckless pursuit of money, stressing that “money is only a small part of true wealth,” and encouraged them to prioritise character, hard work, and community development.