The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, for describing internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo Boys, as “creative and courageous geniuses,” saying such comments trivialise the moral decay associated with cybercrime.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, the ruling party expressed dismay that a political leader who once built his campaign on integrity and moral rebirth could appear to romanticise a criminal enterprise that has dented Nigeria’s image internationally.
Oladejo said the APC found it troubling that Obi would attribute “creativity and courage” to an act that has caused pain to victims around the world and led to the destruction of many promising young lives at home.
“There’s nothing genius about crime,” the statement read. “Internet fraud is a tragedy, not a talent. It is shocking that someone who speaks so often about ethical governance could openly romanticise an immoral act. Such inconsistency reflects a troubling moral contradiction.”
Mr. Obi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, had suggested that Yahoo Boys possess rare intelligence and courage that could be redirected for innovation and development if properly guided.
According to him, “Our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation. Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive national progress.”
The comment, however, sparked a wave of criticism from Nigerians across social media platforms, with many accusing the former Anambra State governor of sending the wrong message to impressionable youths.
The Lagos APC alleged that Obi’s statement was another attempt to seek relevance by courting controversy, warning that leadership requires moral clarity, not political showmanship.
“True leadership demands responsibility, not recklessness,” Oladejo added.
“Internet fraud is not genius, it is theft, deceit, and a moral failure. Anyone aspiring to lead this country must be careful not to legitimise what is wrong in the eyes of society.”
The party further urged public figures to use their platforms to promote discipline, innovation, and honest enterprise among the youth rather than statements that could be misinterpreted as encouragement of wrongdoing.
